Grand Sablon 40
111000.04
An iconic landmark with a rich history
The prestigious building, centrally located on the Grand Sablon in Brussels, on the corner with Rue des Minimes, was commissioned in 1920 by the former "Manufacture de Fourrures Raymond Mallien". Mallien, the king of the fur industry in Belgium, was known as far away as Paris at the time. Mallien wanted to house his sales room and fur goods workshops in a majestic building on the Grand Sablon, already a square crowded with the wealthy in the roaring twenties.
A beautiful Beaux-Arts-style design
In 1920, the original plans were drawn up by architect Victor Diricks and then revised in 1921 by renowned Lille architect Jacques Barbotin. These plans embodied an impressive Beaux-Arts style, influenced by the neo-Louis XIV style. The Grand Sablon, at the time a square frequently visited by the bourgeoisie, was the ideal location for the establishment of a fur factory. The monument serves as a striking example of what a luxury sales location looked like on this spot shortly after World War I and during the "roaring twenties".
A fascinating contrast in decoration
Upstairs were the fur studios and on the ground floor, customers from the bourgeoisie were welcomed in the luxurious sales parlour with rich decorations such as cabinets with mirrors, stained glass, chandeliers, figurative paintings and romantic wall frescoes with fur animals.
From fur factory to listed monument
From 1971, the Museum of Post and Telecommunications moved into the imposing building. From 2003, the building transformed into a renowned sales hall of the renowned auction house Pierre Bergé, affiliated with the late partner of the fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. In 2006, the building was officially recognised and protected as a historical monument, confirming its status as a timeless symbol of Brussels heritage. The building has been vacant for several years but is in good condition.
A new future
VDD Project Development envisages realising an unparalleled hospitality project in the impressive corner complex, covering some 4,200 square metres, with maximum respect for the historical architectural elements. Over the next few months, VDD will search for the right concept for this, whether or not in collaboration with an (inter)national operator.
Johan Vandendriessche en Thibaut De Vos, Managing Partners VDD Project Development.We wish to give an extraordinary destination to this piece of heritage, located in an absolutely prime location on the Grand Sablon, between the historic city centre and the upper city of Brussels. It should become a legendary place to go to if you want to visit Brussels. What we envisage will make the place a real hotspot. We already had our eye on this exceptional building years ago and are therefore delighted to be able to add the project to our portfolio.
Pending obtaining the necessary permits, VDD is looking for temporary tenant(s). Candidate tenants can apply at hello@vddprojectdevelopment.com or via the form below.
Interested in the temporary use of this unique building?
Do you want more info?
Do not hesitate to contact us.