Under the Belvedere of the park overlooking Paris, the doors of the Maison de l'Air are closed this Wednesday, January 31.
On January 19, the City of Paris launched a call for expressions of interest to find the future operator of its pavilion.
Finally, the municipality will put an end to years of uncertainty over the future of this building described as “complex” by the mayor of the 20th arrondissement, Éric Pliez.
On the program, a sort of very versatile third place.
“We want a catering offer, entertainment, why not cultural,” explains the mayor.
We would also like to be able to rent certain spaces for neighborhood events, all at affordable prices.
» But this old greenhouse, whose insulation leaves something to be desired, requires major work.
The amount ?
More than 3 million euros.
The definitive opening around 2027
The situation should begin to stabilize, because the mayor has finally found the funding and the budget voted by the Paris Council.
While waiting for the town hall's call for expressions of interest to close, Archipélia, the neighborhood's social center, is occupying the premises by organizing activities for young people and families in the area.
“They can stay there until the end of the year.
Then we will have identified the project leader and he will be able to begin his activity at the beginning of 2025,” reports Éric Pliez.
The Maison de l'Air will then close its doors for at least eighteen months of work.
“The definitive reopening should not take place before 2027 or even 2028,” says the mayor.
Also read “Heritage does not move”: in Paris, can the Pavillon des Sources be rebuilt stone by stone?
Over the past ten years, the Maison de l'Air has seen several actors succeed one another.
“The previous mandate planned to install a luxury restaurant there,” explains the councilor.
But residents and a few elected officials opposed it.
Three years ago, the 20th century town hall had to end the lease of an association which occupied the premises.
“They were supposed to work with residents on citizenship issues but it went badly,” explains Éric Pliez.