Don't pimp my crib, says Paris Mayor

"Everything in this book may be wrong." Illusions: The Adventures of The Reluctant Messiah by Richard Bach

Look there is nothing 'racist' or conspiratorial in the Mayor of Paris doing this. Planning regulations are very very tight in Europe. Just because you own a house, doesn't mean you're allowed to renovate it. Even if you want to put a little outside porch onto your house, you need permission from the council or authorities. They often don't give permission, for very silly reasons. That's just the way it is there.

Londonalgiers, I don't think it's true to say that we don't know the sort of alterations being planned.

A simple google search will reveal all sorts of information:

Thought to be one of the finest examples of mid-17th-century domestic architecture anywhere in France, the mansion will have a new look if the renovations proposed by its new owners go forward. According to a report in Le Monde, the 4,000 pages of architects’ plans call for the installation of four elevators, dozens of new bathrooms, air-conditioning, and an underground garage with an exit straight through the building's famous curving wall. In addition, skylights added in the 19th century will be demolished, the roof will be adjusted, and 17th-century-style chimney-pots will be added.

...

The building, built between 1639 and 1644 by Louis Le Vau for the personal secretary of King Louis XIII, is considered to be one of the most innovative and coherent examples of mid-17th-century domestic architecture anywhere in France.

Experts say that the relatively limited changes made to the hotel over recent centuries mean that the work of globally renowned artists such as Charles Le Brun remain in an almost pristine state.

"It is strictly forbidden to refurbish anything," said Mignot, an architectural historian. "You [can only] repair or restore."

http://www.artinfo.com/news/story/29884/french-intellectuals-qatari-royals-tussle-over-parisian-mansion/

I can't see how this could be viewed as just a petty vendetta against Arab monarchs or whatever.

I find it really strange that none of you really know the sort of alterations that will be conducted, but you all have something to say, it's very easy to judge a situation but understanding it is what's important. I would say that if the Emir's architects, whom are probably good at their job, decide to "alter" something that is part of the French "heritage" then maybe we should ask what will the outcome be? The Louvre used to be the French king's residence; it's still a gorgeous site even though it has lifts and modern fittings inside of it. I think that too much attention is directed towards Arab monarchs when it comes to their private lives. I personally think that Mr. Deloanoe should take care of his suburbs (worst in the EU) they are true ghettos where crime is higher than in Cape Town's Shanty towns.

Peace

thanks...we lived in a property more than 200 yrs old...couldn't even change the window frames...or the living room door...

they had been stables and servant quarters so our living room door was a stable door...

sounds mad but the place had character and kept its historic itegrity.

That's not the way owning property works in Europe. I know in England, even if you own a new home, you have to apply for permission to make alterations. The local council can turn you down for many, many reasons.

If your property has historic or architectural value, you have almost no chance when applying for planning permission to make alterations.

i have a different opinion, contrary to the popular opinion being expressed in this thred.

firstly we dont have the complte details of the agreements of purchase so it would be foolish to even comment on this. but assuming the emir has bought a property in the most exclusive heritage part of paris, and assuming he bought it with no strings attached, then he is well within his rights to even build a shopping mall or a tennis court there. its his property and he can do what he likes.

he dint arm twist anyone to buy the property. ofcourse he must given a royal amount which is why the french had sold it in the first place.

so trying to stop renovations in an pre historic mansion is in bad taste.

its one thing to live in a old heritage building which is comfy and renovated, but to live without elevators and in pre historic conditions is not amusing.

however if at the time of buying the property the french had explicitly said no renovations, then the french are justified in doing what they are doing.

but why are we discussing a truely personal issue here?

Many sites in the world have historical value which you cannot put a price on. But if you have more money than God I guess you figure you can do anything. Its sad that he doesn't realize its not appropriate. But hey they are tearing down more villas here in Qatar every day and that are bran new for one reason or another and not even telling the Qataris in time for them to build elsewhere so nothing surprises me anymore!! One they were even told they could build on the site when they saw construction next door only to finish after 4 years and then to be told it would be demolished before they even had a chance to live in it. As one Qatari said maybe they will put a McDonalds on the site!! Great Progress you would think they would learn from others mistakes.

you have to question though why it was sold to the emir in the first place though!!! the arabic royalty is not exactly renowned for waiting patiently to get things done and following someone else's rules....surely they could have been more selective in ensuring it would be sold to someone who would make sure they preserved it. although maybe only the emir was willing to hand over all that money!

I too, have to agree with the Mayor. Paris, like London, is full of Architectural treasures that represent the culture of the city and its past citizens. Cities like these need to be allowed to grow of course, but we also need to retain a certain amount of the past and if it is done properly, will blend harmoniously with the modern. Countries have these laws or guidelines to protect themselves from conglomerates or people with vast amounts of wealth and taste, who assume they can create or change anything at a price. I suspect the changes will probably be prohibited, especially as it is to a building that illustrates clearly the style of such a revered king as Louis Xiii was.

For anyone who has actually visited Paris (and especially this particular part of the old city) the attention to conserving buildings of cultural and heritage significance is truly laudable.

In any case, the article says that the structure is part of a UNESCO site, so the local authorities may find themselves in some serious trouble if they don't prevent this sort of work taking place.

H. almannai: if there were old houses in Doha, maybe there would be Qatari politicians trying to protect them. Certainly, it's not legal for a Frenchman to buy anything other than a property on the Pearl or zigzags, so the argument is moot, no?

what about if any french buy a house in doha and he want to do some change in his house , and the qataris stoped him to do that , becouse its very old house !!!!!!!!!!!!

what frech will say about that ?

i think he will ask, if this building its very old , why u sold it to me!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Either the French Authorities have not listed the building as they should have, or, more likely, somebody knows the loopholes in the systems of French heritage preservation and building control authorities.

Yes please keep the human heritage unchanged, money is not all thing, it goes and comes but vestiges only come once and the moment they are lost we will not find similar treasury.

why The mayor of Paris didnt buy this building which is alterations to the 17th century mansion on the exclusive Saint Louis islandthen,then he can make it Museum ?????!!!!!!

in paris money r very very very importanet and after that , is the important heritage

I have to agree with the mayor. I believe he made the right decision by planning to block the renovation. The preservation of historic sites made Paris the most visited city in the world. There shouldn't be anymore scar after the glass pyramid.

cheers,

paul