From department store to transparent office building in the heart of Liège
Feronstrée 54
Near Place Saint-Lambert, the beating heart of Liège, the former Innovation department store has been transformed into a modern and flexible office building. The project is part of the wider revitalisation of an entire district, reinforcing the dynamic character of this historic city centre.
Facts about the project
- R&N Feronstrée
- Client
- Liège
- Location
- 20,090 m² (14,266 m² above ground, 4,410 m² underground)
- Surface area
- architecture, interior design, urban planning, feasibility studies, programming, audit
- Expertises
A new purpose for a historic block
Built in 1968, the building occupies an entire city block and for years served solely as an archive facility. The challenge was to breathe new life into this massive volume and adapt it to the city’s contemporary needs. By introducing a central patio, the offices now benefit from abundant daylight, while the transparent layout creates an open and welcoming work environment.
Flexibility as an asset
The offices were designed with maximum adaptability in mind. Each floorplate can be divided into seven separate units, and the generous floor-to-ceiling height allows for a wide range of technical solutions. This provides tenants and users with a rare degree of freedom in a tertiary setting. The first-floor patio has been developed as a shared meeting space, offering a bright and tranquil environment for interaction.
A dialogue between old and new
The existing architectural concrete elements, inspired by the natural stone structures of the Meuse region, were carefully preserved. Behind them, a new glass façade was installed, giving the building a contemporary identity without denying its historic character. The result is a subtle dialogue between tradition and modernity.
Urban landscape and sustainability
The project includes a total of 11,013 m² of office space and 2,731 m² of renovated retail space. A green roof has been created on top of the building, visible from the iconic Bueren staircase, making a clear contribution to the cityscape. The building meets energy category K35 and achieved an energy level Ew = e65, striking a balance between heritage and contemporary sustainability standards.
Development partners
Feronstrée 54 was developed on behalf of R&N Feronstrée. The engineering firm Pierre Berger provided technical expertise and supported the delivery of this large-scale renovation project.