(district)
This district developed from a plan submitted by Gédéon Bordiau. Construction began about 1880 and was completed about 1905. Located in the northeastern section of the city, the area's marshy ground was drained and portions of the many small lakes were filled in. Square Marie-Louise was the first to be built. The others include squares Gutenberg, Marguerite, and Am-biorix. The area became a centerpoint for art nouveau. At the turn of the 20th century, architects such as Victor Horta and Paul Hankar built town houses for the wealthy bourgeoisie on streets around the squares. Development of commercial and office space in conjunction with the growth of the tertiary sector has made inroads on the residential character of this area in recent decades.
Historical Dictionary of Brussels. Paul F. State.