Photos of the massive Hennessy construction site in La Richon
In the fall of 2023, the banks of the Charente River in Cognac present two rare sights with an unprecedented conjunction: the flood of the river and the extensive building site inaugurated by the Hennessy House on the historic site of Richon. Take a walk and take a curious look: here, the water goes down quickly and the work is progressing well!
However, there is still work to be done: The renovation and beautification of the main office will not be completed until 2026. The process began last spring. It takes place in a complex set of buildings.
In the fall of 2023, the banks of the Charente River in Cognac present two rare sights with an unprecedented conjunction: the flood of the river and the extensive building site inaugurated by the Hennessy House on the historic site of Richon. Take a walk and take a curious look: here, the water goes down quickly and the work is progressing well!
However, there is still work to be done: The renovation and beautification of the main office will not be completed until 2026. The process began last spring. It takes place in a complex of buildings built in the period from the 17th to the 20th century, when industrial uses were no longer relevant.
The construction site as seen from Rue du Chateau.
Olivier Sarrazin / “Southwest”
Here, near the Saint-Jacques Gate, ugly buildings were erected not long ago.
Olivier Sarrazin / “Southwest”
Four unsightly buildings have already fallen. Its unattractive lines stood out in the urban landscape, near the Saint-Jacques Gate and the birthplace of François I.Hs. Demolishing them opens up great prospects.
“The idea: ventilation, removal of condensation, removal of slag, simplification of circulation,” explains Nicola Paschal, project manager. It is also a matter of “bringing light” into a complex architectural tangle (about one hectare in size), before other buildings are constructed and renovated.
Nicola Paschal, project director, in front of a model by architect Jean-Marc Sandrolini.
Olivier Sarrazin / “Southwest”
View of the Saint-Jacques Gate, the Royal Castle and Charente on top of the Odin Building.
Olivier Sarrazin / “Southwest”
Hennessy project model in Larichon (Cognac).
Gus Hennessy & Partners Architect JM Sandrolini / Image Albane de Roffignac
At the heart of the project: the development of the Al Oudin Building
The site is overseen by architect Jean-Marc Sandolini (who actually designed the future Pont Neuf factory in Sal d’Angle). It provides for the establishment of an internal garden with an area of 2000 m².
Under the northern arch of the Odin Building Hall.
Olivier Sarrazin / “Southwest”
The process should highlight the old bottling plant and coupe cellar built in 1929 and 1930. This concrete ensemble was designed by Parisian architect Marcel Audin, very influenced by Art Nouveau. This monumental building, unloved by the Cognacais, deserves to be better viewed. With its square tower and porch, its sided roof and tall hips, its loopholes and buttresses, it is not inelegant. He will find a second guy!
On the second floor of the Odin Building: a beautiful space where the merchant can organize various receptions or meetings!
Olivier Sarrazin / “Southwest”
Building the Hall of Odin. The packing unit was built in 1929 and 1930. The concrete building, with a square tower, balcony, metal frame and oval canopy, was designed by the Parisian architect Marcel Audin, very influenced by Art Nouveau.
Archives Gus Hennessy & Co
View from the window of the Oudin Building. Where an industrial wasteland (on the verge of disappearance) collides with the Pavilion of Honor on rue de la Richon.
Olivier Sarrazin / “Southwest”
On Thursday, November 16, 2023, Hennessy installed interpretive panels on the sidewalks and pasted archival photographs on the fences of the construction site on Rue du Chateau.
View of a building built on the former Cordeliers Monastery.
Olivier Sarrazin / “Southwest”
At the top of the Oudin Building. In the foreground: The hipped roof (oval shed) typical of industrial architecture from the beginning of the 20th century. He let light into the hall where boxes and shipments were being prepared.
Olivier Sarrazin / “Southwest”
Last spring, Hennessy president Laurent Poilliot presented the project as a “major project” aimed at “better housing the company’s employees and better welcoming the wine growers.” He also said that this work was part of the urban renewal of the docks.
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