Green light for the long-awaited redevelopment of the historic site of the princely de Merode family in Ixelles
A Brussels heritage site with a rich history
October 31, 2024
Heritage developer VDD Project Development has received the final and enforceable permit for its new project, “de Mérode,” in Ixelles, located at the corner of Rue Washington and Rue Hector Denis, opposite Tenbosch Park. This milestone marks the transformation of this unique historic site, which is set for a new future after years of vacancy and deterioration.
In 1912, Count Werner de Merode (1855-1914) commissioned the construction of a grand eclectic urban palace with a spacious inner courtyard. The Brussels architect Joseph Prémont designed the palace with an Art Deco influence. Although Werner de Merode passed away in 1914, the princely family continued to live there until 1954. That year, the Catholic institution Maison Saint-Ignace purchased the building, using it as a residence and training center for the International Center Lumen Vitae, founded in 1946 by the Jesuit Georges Delcuve. Due to the center's success, a modern annex in the garden, designed by architect J.L. Franchimont, was constructed in 1965. After 50 years, in 2016, the Saint-Ignace community left the Rue Washington buildings, and the site was purchased by heritage developer VDD Project Development.
An exceptional project inspired by the past
To design this prestigious project, VDD collaborated with the renowned Brussels architectural firm &bogdan, which has extensive experience in the Brussels context with award-winning projects such as “The Cosmopolitan,” “COOP,” “Amal Amjahid,” and “Novacity.”
The former urban palace, with its valuable facades, rotunda, salons, and ornamentation, will be meticulously restored. The entire site will be redeveloped by harmoniously integrating three new buildings around the generous inner garden. The clean architecture of these contemporary volumes references the palace's design, with its characteristic vertical windows and historic carriage entrance, drawing inspiration from early 20th-century Art Nouveau. The new buildings will be constructed with high-quality materials, such as natural stone and bronze-colored exterior joinery, giving the site a warm and noble look that blends seamlessly into the neighborhood.
« Located near Tenbosch Park, the “de Mérode” project stands out for its exceptional history, noble appearance, and unique location. Organized around a collective garden connected to the park, three new buildings reinforce the preserved historical splendor, combined with the highest level of contemporary living quality. “This project undoubtedly sets a new standard for residential living in Brussels. »
Oana Bogdan, founder of &bogdan
« Following our projects “The Dome”, “Grand Sablon 40” and “Royal Botanic”, we are bringing a piece of Brussels' history back to life with “de Mérode”. This project reflects our vision of sustainably reusing heritage with high quality, respecting the past while looking to the future. »
Johan Vandendriessche and Thibaut De Vos, Managing Partners at VDD Project Development
Sustainability as a cornerstone
The “de Mérode” project serves as a model for giving new life to historic heritage in a sustainable manner. In addition to circular construction principles, modern and sustainable techniques, such as geothermal energy, heat pumps, solar panels, and maximum heat recovery, are fully utilized to significantly reduce energy consumption. All buildings are passively heated and cooled without using fossil fuels (no gas), ensuring optimal and sustainable comfort throughout the year. Furthermore, the redevelopment and extension of the garden provide a green and pleasant environment for the site's various users.
A valuable contribution to the neighborhood with a diverse program
The redevelopment of “de Mérode” contributes to the revitalization of the surrounding neighborhood by activating a derelict site. Additionally, the ground floor will host two public facilities, along with office spaces and a diverse range of high-quality new apartments.
Construction starts in 2025
The initial asbestos removal and demolition work began in 2024, with structural construction set to start in 2025. The sale of the 34 apartments – ranging from 60m² to 315m² and offering one to four bedrooms – will begin on Monday, November 4, 2024. Since the announcement, more than 800 interested parties have already registered as prospective buyers. You can still sign up via www.demerode.brussels.
About VDD Project Development
VDD Project Development, based in Bruges, specializes in contemporary redevelopment and revitalization of historical sites in urban areas.
VDD is currently working on several projects, including “The Dome” – the redevelopment of the former “Les Grands Magasins de la Bourse” building on Place de la Bourse, “Royal Botanic” – the redevelopment of the Jesuit site next to the Gesù Church, and “Grand Sablon 40” – the transformation of the monumental “Raymond Mallien Fur Factory” on Grand Sablon. Notable references also include the “Weylerkazerne” and “Huis van Hamme” in Bruges, “The Grand” in Nieuwpoort, “Lindenlei 38” in Ghent, and the “Koepel District” in Breda, the Netherlands.
More information at www.vddprojectdevelopment.com.
