Fire station Havenhuis

Van Averbeke was born in Berchem as the son of a carpenter. “As an architect, he had a long career,” says Grieten. “After his Art Nouveau period, he continued working in other styles like Art Deco and Modernism. In 1905, he started as a draftsman for the city. By 1920, he was the city architect. His role included a wide range of assignments, ranging from temporary festival structures to office and school buildings, social housing, restorations… Meanwhile, he remained active as a private architect.”

“A notable design by Van Averbeke commissioned by the city is the fire station at Halenstraat 81, near Park Spoor Noord.” The building was erected in 1911 in a subdued Art Nouveau style and retained its function as a fire station until 1947. Since the mid-1990s, there have been social housing units in the building.

GVA - Gazet van Antwerpen