The metal-constructed grain store turned residential: Immeuble Génin-Louis

The Immeuble Génin-Louis, a grain store, was built between 1900 and 1901 by merchants of grains, Jules Genin and Camille Louis. The building, located at the junction of Rue Saint-Jean and Rue Bénit in the Charles III - Centre Ville district of Nancy, is unique in its collaboration between architects and engineers. It was the earliest known building to use a metallic structure visible within its living quarters. Henry Gutton, a polytechnician, oversaw the construction, with the help of Frédéric Schertzer’s construction company and Fould Dupont de Pompey for the steel structure.

Alexandre Bigot undertook the building’s ceramic work, while Jacques Grüber crafted its four decorative windows, 'Les Glycines'. The lower two levels were initially transformed to apartments, while the three upper levels were originally a grainery. The metal structure supported a wooden roof. The decoration was centered on the oriel and lower windows, with iron flowers and poppy capsules in iron adorning the oriel’s base, referencing the commercial orientation of the store.

In 1973, the building was threatened with demolition but was later restored. The building was recognized as a historic monument in 1975.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons