Less than 300 yards from La Défense in the Puteaux district of Paris, an ambitious urban transformation project is underway to respond to the need for housing for students and young professionals, who are increasingly attracted to this rapidly changing area.

The project, backed by a joint venture between AnaCap Financial Partners and Freo Group, will involve the demolition of the Le Guillaumet office building on Avenue du Général de Gaulle and the construction of Lilo, a residence for students and young workers. The development is expected to open in the fourth quarter of 2024 and will be operated under the Hackasi student housing brand.

“This was a compelling opportunity to acquire a well-located asset in Paris that we felt offered stronger potential as a student housing development than its original use as an office building. The acquisition highlights AnaCap’s ability to respond and adapt to a changing landscape,” said Sébastien Wigdo, managing director at AnaCap.

 

The project

Entrusted to Axel Schoenert Architectes and contractors Nexity, the project involves the demolition of the 129 thousand square foot (12,000 m²) office building from the 1980s and the construction of a new L-shaped complex, with some 204 thousand square feet (19,000 m²) of floorspace on eleven levels. The building will have 645 units, mostly 215 square foot (20 m²) studio apartments, but also two-, three-, and four-room units.

The entrance will lead into a vast lobby covering over 3230 square feet (300 m²). There will be a further 21,500 square feet (2000 m²) of common areas, including a 1200 square foot (112 m²) study room, an 880 square foot (82 m²) fitness room, and a cafeteria. The building will also have a split-level underground car park for cars and bicycles.

 

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