The Bonnevoie story continues with Brooklyn

Brooklyn, the new district is being built in Bonnevoie in the continuity of a place rich in history. We had the chance to interview Dr. Robert L. Philippart, historian specialized in the urban history of the city of Luxembourg. He tells us about the highlights and gives us his opinion on the project.

Dr Robert Philippart, historian specialized in urban history

When was Bonnevoie founded and where does its name come from ?

"The origins of Bonnevoie go back to the Gallo-Roman period. The name of Bonnevoie would come from Bona Via (good way) and Bonus Vicus (good farm). The foundation in the Middle Ages of a convent of Cistercian nuns ensures a certain prosperity."

What was the first industry to set up ?

"After a fire in 1794, the convent was sold as national property and the premises housed the glove factory of Jonas Lippmann, then Auguste Charles. This industry employed some 1500 people until its demise in 1897 following the loss of the United States as an export market."

When did the railroad and the fortifications come into being ?

"With the construction of the railroad in 1858/59, the forts Wallis, Verlorenkost and Wedell were built to protect the station of Luxembourg. As soon as the fortifications were removed in 1867, Bonnevoie attracted above all railway workers, craftsmen and shopkeepers who lived near the station."

Photo library of the City of Luxembourg, the Buchler Bridge

What other factories and businesses have shaped Bonnevoie ?

"It is the former brick factory Tassin active from 1894 to 1923. Then, in 1933, the neighborhood welcomed the imposing "Moulin de Luxembourg". In the 1950s, several garages and workshops were established along the upper part of the road to Thionville."

Photo library of the City of Luxembourg, the Luxembourg Mill

Are there any celebrities from Bonnevoie ?

"Local residents are particularly proud of two international celebrities: Gabriel Lippman (1845-1921), son of the glove maker Jonas Lippmann who won the Nobel Prize in physics for his method of reproducing colors in photography, and Hugo Gernsbach (1884-1967), world-renowned as the father of "science fiction""

What do you think of Brooklyn and the revival of the neighborhood ?

"The new "Brooklyn" district represents an important effort to open up the center of Bonnevoie. It is a work of structuring, urbanization and densification of space. Thanks to the new housing and jobs planned, the historic center of Bonnevoie will have critical masses to develop its local services."

What can be done so that future generations do not forget the past ?

"Development brings with it the need to affirm the identity of the district, through everything that visualizes its authentic character, both in terms of architectural heritage and intangible heritage. The conservation of old place names, the recall of the names of entrepreneurs who have shaped this district, but also of this present, active and creative workforce plays an important role. This is the dimension that needs to be valued, because it represents the soul of the neighborhood."

Eaglestone writes a new chapter

Eaglestone is careful to respect memory by rehabilitating an old site into a thriving place to live and work. Thus, as a reminder of the factories, the residences will be mostly in brick. Eaglestone goes further by infusing a new sustainable approach, for example, by bringing nature back to the heart of the project. Future residents of Brooklyn can be proud to participate in the continuation of this rich history.