The Wilson Plaza

These real urban loft villas, high on treetops, enjoy terraces of rare dimension in urban areas. A crystalline glass lamellae will cover these extensions of housing, real living rooms, creating a majestic conservatory. In summer open louvers let circulate relevant drafts to ensure also summer comfort. The light filtered through the canopy, plantations and domestic paintings brighten the mood of habitable rooms.

The materials, lacquered aluminum, glass, wood (CLT = cross laminated timber), high quality stoneware are used in harmonious proportions and highlight the furniture. Furthermore, the duplex apartments generate double height volume extension of the canopy. Room windows open on the quiet heart of Ilot. It’s the Grand Palais in Paris as well as the Lyon Opera – that the Architect Jean Nouvel redeveloped – that inspired the Wilson Plaza’s crystalline glass canopy design.

While marrying tradition and modernity, the rooftop verandas offer the ultimate luxury of a semi-outdoor space to enjoy throughout the year. Somewhere between a conservatory and a solarium, the terraces offer infinite possibilities.

On G+1 and G+2 a surface of 1200 m² of ultra-modern high-standard offices with 4 meters high-ceilings. In total more than 2,600 m² for this exceptional estate.

Developer

Wilson Development, France

Architecture & Urban planning agency of the Wilson Plaza project

IN SITU

Architects in charge

Michel Benaim & Rudolf Eschelbacher

The idea behind the project’s design is that of living in the sky, with the sunlight and the treetops, in the very heart of Nice, bringing together contemporary requirements with Nice’s historical roots. What a wonderful idea to renovate this monument by imagining magnificent villas on its roof, opposite the prestigious Place Wilson. Earth and sky are connected through the generous terraces “conservatory”, protected by crystalline glass canopies that allow prospective inhabitants to enjoy the vast hilly landscape of Nice, blurring the lines between inside and out. The penthouses are a new hook to the skies. The Wilson Plaza crystalline canopies will give a new perspective to Place Wilson.

The Wilson General Post Office: a place full of history

Built in 1888, the General Post Office is the focal point of the Wilson Square / Place Wilson. Neo-Classical in style, it imposes its noble image, and boasts its rich past. The architects, Annibale Carlo and Horace Grassi, have masterfully recreated the rigour, order and symmetry inherited from French Classicism. The Italian influence is felt in the introduction of more liberal patterns and forms: wreaths, scrolls, vases, balustrades and statues that soften and purify this magnificent building. In the shade of the plane trees that line the Place Wilson, the exterior of this building immerses us in the Belle Époque. And you start to await the arrival of the next carriage, expecting an elegant lady to alight, parasol in hand.

The Wilson Plaza combines past, present and future and blends perfectly into all ages. It combines historical roots, contemporary resorts and visionary urban planning. Just like at the Belle Époque, the Wilson Plaza dances to a three step waltz. Wilson Plaza’s location makes everyday life easier, thanks to the post office located on the ground floor and the local shops nearby. All of which are opportunities for friendly encounters and interaction. The creation of modern and prestigious offices meet perfectly the requirements of modern business. The Wilson Plaza’s “palace spirit” is enhanced by its rooftop villas and exceptional apartments, together with the illustrious Negresco, Regina, and Winter Palace.

The facade of the General Post Office

Two deities of Greek mythology (and Roman) on top of the facade of the General Post Office:

• On the right: Hermes (Mercury for the Romans). He is the messenger of the gods, donor lucky, the guardian of roads and intersections, travelers and trade.
• On the left: Demeter (Ceres for the Romans). She is the goddess of agriculture, harvest, fertility, prosperity.

The Wilson Square / La Place Wilson

The Square on which the General Post Office was built (1888) was initially called the “Place des Platanes” (Plane trees Square). At the time, in France, the postal service was one of the largest in the country, especially in a touristic city like Nice. Thus the customers should be able to correspond rapidly and efficiently. After the fall of the Second Empire, the square was renamed “Place de la Liberté” (Freedom Square). It is only after the first World War that it was finally renamed “Place Wilson”, as a tribute to the president of the United States Thomas Woodrow Wilson.

The Environment: in the heart of Nice

Wilson Plaza represents the star jewel in a ring set with many other assets.

Nearby Place Garibaldi and the “Vieux Nice”, the historic heart of the city,

• Place Masséna and the Avenue Jean Médecin, the business hub.
• The Promenade des Anglais and the Mediterranean, its natural heart.
• For fans of museums : nearby you will find the MAMAC, the Natural History Museum, Palais Lascaris, Musée Chagall, Musée Matisse, the Archaeological Museum of Cimiez, and more.
• And for those who want to catch a show, there is the Théâtre National de Nice, the Opera, the Théâtre de Verdure, cinemas and plenty of small theatres across the city.
• From pre-school to college, Wilson Plaza is at the heart of the educational map, offering the best establishments: the Rothschild School group, Séguranne Secondary School, Masséna and Calmette sixth form colleges.
• For outdoor recreation and for kids’ enjoyment, the Coulée Verte (Green Corridor) and “Parc du Château” are just steps away.

Public Transport

• The main bus lines stop at Place Wilson. The station is accessible also to people with disabilities.
• The nearest station on the tram line 1 is Place Masséna.
• The tramway’s Line 2, under construction, will soon stop by Square Durandy, a few steps from Place Wilson.
• Individual transport: a taxi rank on Place Wilson.

Green Transport

• Auto Bleue (self-service eco-car) station on Place Wilson,
• Vélo Bleu (self-service eco-bicyle) station at the corners of Rue de l’Hôtel des Postes and rue Deloye, rue Gioffredo and rue Delille.

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