GA Smart Building to carry out the iconic renovation of the “Paris Grands Boulevards” site on behalf of Covivio

GA Smart Building will carry out major restructuring work for Covivio on the "Paris Grands Boulevards" site, located at the corner of Bergère, Conservatoire, and Faubourg Poissonnière streets. This large-scale project combines heritage preservation, contemporary transformation, and innovation in the heart of the capital, an ambition recognized by the special "Heritage & Renaissance" prize awarded at the SIMI Grands Prix 2024.

A building steeped in history, looking to the future

Built between 1911 and 1929, the building has been partially listed as a Historic Monument since 1999. It is distinguished by its Art Deco façade, monumental arches, a majestic dome, and a ceiling height of over 7 meters. A telephone exchange (known as "Provence," then "Bergère"), then a post office, it still retains some of its technical functions today on the ground floor and in the basement.

While awaiting its transformation, Covivio has taken a unique approach by temporarily opening the premises to stakeholders in the creative industry: events, exhibitions, artist residencies – including four entrepreneurs who have fostered a collective reflection on the workspaces of tomorrow. This experimental approach has transformed the building into a true urban laboratory, open to the city.

An ambitious architectural project entrusted to a renowned trio

The 9.200 m² renovation project is being carried out by a group of architects comprising CALQ (heritage), Gensler (architecture), and Sisto (interior design), in conjunction with the Architectes des Bâtiments de France (Architects of Buildings of France). The project includes restoring the original façade, which was damaged in the 1970s, upgrading the floors, restoring the steel glass roof, and carefully renovating the dome and mosaics. An opening will also be created from the Trudaine extension, providing access to a green rooftop.

A complex and demanding project in the heart of the city

Construction is scheduled to begin on July 1, 2025, and will last 24 months. The site, located in a dense urban environment—facing the National Conservatory of Dramatic Arts, housing, and the BNP Paribas headquarters—will be subject to special precautions regarding nuisance management, in conjunction with local residents and permanent occupants.

The project aims to obtain several benchmark environmental certifications, including HQE Bâtiment Durable, BREEAM, WiredScore, BiodiverCity and Well, demonstrating the shared ambition of Covivio and GA Smart Building in terms of sustainability.

For Gilles de Jouvencel, General Director of Renovation, GA Smart Building: "We are proud to carry out this iconic project, in which GA Smart Building will be able to demonstrate its expertise in major renovations. This operation illustrates our ability to combine technical performance, asset enhancement, and environmental requirements. We are delighted with Covivio's renewed trust and this demanding and stimulating collaboration."