First stone laid for Égérie residence

This Friday, October 16, the first stone of the Égérie residence was laid in the Gratte-Ciel center-city ZAC in Villeurbanne. The project includes 207 housing units, nearly 3,874 m² of commercial space, and more than 4,000 m² of office space near two towers. The works officially began in December 2025. The mayor of Villeurbanne, Cédric Van Styvendael, Nicole Sibeud, vice-president of the Lyon Metropolis responsible for urban planning, and representatives of Cogedim and the Rhône and Lyon Equipment Company (SERL) attended the ceremony.

Part of a larger urban renewal plan

The Égérie residence is part of the "doubling" project of the city center of Villeurbanne, specifically macro-lot A of the Gratte-Ciel center-city ZAC. The Gratte-Ciel center-city ZAC project began in 2011 and aims to transform the heart of the commune. It covers eight hectares, including 2.7 hectares of public spaces. In the long term, it should accommodate about 900 additional housing units, nearly 40 shops, 200 jobs, and new public facilities. The mayor noted that the project is the only one in France, among the twenty largest cities, where the city center is being doubled.

Population growth and urban challenges

Villeurbanne's population has grown from 80,000 inhabitants at the time of the construction of the Gratte-Ciel to about 163,000 today. The mayor emphasized the challenges related to the realization of this new district, including the need to find buyers for these housing units, ensuring they are not speculative properties and are accessible, adapted for people with reduced mobility, and capable of responding to climate changes.

Diverse housing options and architectural design

The Égérie residence will offer housing ranging from studios to T5. It includes 102 housing units for free access, 17 in BRS with Foncière Orsol, and 88 social rental housing units managed by CDC Habitat. The buildings were designed by three architecture firms: Vera & Associés Architectes, Cosa Architectures, and Taite Paillet Architectes. The apartments will have balconies or terraces, with some outdoor spaces reaching 50 m² and duplexes up to 106 m² planned for the upper floors. A rooftop is also planned to complete the living spaces.

Sustainability and comfort features

Nicole Sibeud, vice-president of the Lyon Metropolis, praised the project for maintaining a commercial balance between the old and new Gratte-Ciel and highlighted its environmental ambitions. The design of the residence includes several devices aimed at improving the comfort of the residents, especially during heatwaves. Most of the apartments will benefit from several orientations to promote natural ventilation. Adjustable sunbreakers, wood wool insulation, light facades, and air mixers are planned to limit overheating. Heating and hot water production will be provided by the urban heat network, powered 72% by renewable energy.

Adapting to economic realities

Matthieu Mayer, deputy general director of Cogedim Sud, acknowledged that the project required several adjustments. He mentioned the architecture, the history of the district, and the adaptation of the housing to current uses. He also emphasized the constraints related to the purchasing power of buyers, noting that their budget has decreased by 25% in less than a year. Therefore, it was necessary to rework the design of the housing to create slightly smaller units adapted to families.

Project timeline and completion

The delivery of the Égérie residence is expected to start in the first quarter of 2028. The completion of the city center transformation project in Villeurbanne is scheduled for 2031.