For the first video presentation of our project, we have decided to present and analyze the Château de Mercy. Despite being listed as a historical monument in 2019, and theoretically now protected by the state, this magnificent place continues to fall into ruin since its purchase by the municipality over twenty years ago.
1905 - 1919
Built in an eclectic style in the year 1905 by the Widow de Coëtlosquet,
the architecture of the castle draws inspiration from that of the great French monuments, even though it is situated in territory annexed by the Germans since the late 19th century. On the Savonnières stone facades, the rich ornamentation depicts a series of allegories as well as thistles, symbols of the city of Nancy located 50 kilometers away, which remained French. Its motto: "Qui s'y frotte s'y pique!" - "He who touches it, gets pricked!" The message of resistance addressed to the Germans by the Coëtlosquet family seems clear. In 1919, the region returned to French control.
1940 - 1993
The return of the war marked the end of the family residence.
During the Second World War, the Coëlosquet family was ousted from the castle, and the Germans took possession of it until the armistice. Military use continued here with the castle being occupied by Canadian and French armies until 1993. Acquired by the city in the year 2000, the castle was left abandoned, with several investors showing interest in the site without any project coming to fruition.
2000 - 2023
The hope for one last project?
Recently, a real estate company has acquired the castle. Since its acquisition by the city, the building has been deprived of its entire park, in favor of a large hospital, its parking lot, and an adjacent commercial area.
The building itself continues to suffer from 30 years of neglect. Pillaging, infiltrations, and dry rot have taken their toll on the interior decorations, and the structure of the building shows a series of major disorders.
The developer's project proposes dividing the castle into apartments, to be sold off-plan at a price per square meter reflecting the necessary renovations: more than double the local real estate market price. All of this suggests a significant commercial deadlock, making the castle, although protected, extremely difficult to finance.
To avoid facing this kind of situation, through the Chateau Route project, we are meeting with owners who have successfully taken over and saved buildings, including those in danger before it's too late.
Thanks for reading ! And don't forget to watch our presentation video below...
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