# Casa Teodor Petrescu

Adresă: Str. Franceza nr. 34, Sector 3, Cartierul Centrul Vechi (turistic), București
An construcție: 1891
Tip ansamblu: Case/Vile
Tip clădire: 2-5 niveluri
Stil arhitectural: Neoclasic
Monument istoric: clasa B
Etichete: arhitectura, arhitect, modernist, artdeco, patrimoniu, monument istoric, risc seismic

## Descriere
Casa Teodor Petrescu, Franceză 34 - o casă cu proporţii echilibrate, cu o distribuţie simetrică a acceselor de la parter, unde se află o prăvălie cu vitrină, și un mic balcon din fier forjat la etajul I. Plastica faţadei are un decor în stil eclectic cu o încărcătură moderată.

## Articol
Franceză 34 (fostă strada Carol I nr. 46), proprietar Teodor Petrescu – comerciant, strada Carol nr. 46 (nr. 48 înainte de renumerotarea din anul 1890), datare modificări – 1891; cod LMI B-II-m-B-1878.

În anul 1891, Teodor Petrescu a depus o cerere de eliberare a unei autorizaţii de construire pentru „a repara și a reconstrui din nou părţi la casa din strada Carol nr. 46…”. Proprietarul voia să construiască o galerie cu geamlâc de lemn de-a lungul porţiunii de casă cu acces direct în curtea interioară, și care avea deschidere și spre Splaiul Dâmboviţei. Pretenţiile i-au fost acceptate cu observaţii și condiţii: „se aprobă cu expresa condiţie ca galeria să se facă de zidărie și geamlâc pe traverse de fontă”. Intrarea se realiza printr-un gang lateral din strada Carol, a cărui mică lărgime, mai puţin de 1,40 ml, a determinat în prealabil și rezoluţii negative privind această intervenţie: „se refuză geamlâc de lemn, nefiind permisă intrarea la casă (gangul n-are 1.40 m lărgime)” (arh. G. Mandrea).

În anul 1891, Teodor Petrescu a contractat un împrumut la Creditul Funciar Urban, cu scopul declarat de a mai construi un corp de clădire cu faţa spre splaiul Dâmboviţei, în spatele celei noi de pe strada Carol. Casa era de raport și fusese lăsată mai multor chiriași, printre care se regăsește negustorul Sigmund Prager, care, mai târziu, făcea obiectul unor menţiuni speciale în cadrul actului de vânzare a imobilului: „vânzătorii își rezervă dreptul de a încasa de la actualii chiriași ai imobilului chiriile pe trimestrul octombrie 1910 și ianuarie 1911, afară de chiriașul Sigmund Prager, faţă de care își rezervă dreptul de a încasa chiria pe semestrul 26 octombrie - 23 aprilie 1911”. Desenul elevaţiei relevă o casă cu proporţii echilibrate, cu o distribuţie simetrică a acceselor de la parter, unde se află o prăvălie cu vitrină, și un mic balcon din fier forjat la etajul I. Plastica faţadei are un decor în stil eclectic cu o încărcătură moderată.

Notă: În Anuarul Bucurescilor, Sigmund Parger apare cu blănării pe strada Carol I la nr. 68 între anii 1892-1894 (proprietatea avocatului Emanoil Pache-Protopopescu, astăzi strada Franceză, nr. 58) și la nr. 29 în Anuarele Bucureștilor din anii 1896 și 1897 (la 1890 proprietatea lui Atanasie Avramide, astăzi strada Franceză nr. 17), probabil închiriate. (Alexandra Țânțăreanu)

Referințe:

- Strada Franceză – Studiu istoric (Alexandra Țânțăreanu, Universitatea de Arhitectură Ion Mincu)
- Strada Franceza - Restituiri (BCMI 2010)
- Case pe strada Franceză (6) (Bucureștii vechi și noi)

Octombrie 2022:

ChatGPT despre stilul arhitectural al clădirii din strada Franceză 34:

The building at Strada Franceza 34 in Bucharest stands as a poignant reminder of the architectural grandeur that once defined the historic Lipscani district, now juxtaposed against the ravages of time and neglect. Although currently in a state of severe disrepair, the structure reveals key elements of its original architectural style, offering insights into the design principles and aesthetic preferences of the era in which it was constructed. This building, even in its dilapidated state, embodies the rich history and cultural significance of Bucharest's urban development during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The architectural style of the building at Strada Franceza 34 can be classified as Eclectic, with strong influences from both Neo-Classical and Neo-Renaissance styles. Eclecticism in architecture is characterized by the blending of elements from different historical periods, creating a design that is both harmonious and diverse. This building, despite its current condition, clearly reflects the eclectic approach, with a façade that once boasted intricate detailing and a balanced composition.

The building is a multi-story structure, typical of urban residential and commercial buildings from the late 19th century. The façade is organized in a vertical arrangement, with a strong emphasis on symmetry and classical proportions. The remnants of decorative elements on the façade suggest a design that was once rich in detail and ornamentation, reflecting the architectural trends of the time when such buildings were meant to convey a sense of elegance and sophistication.

At the ground level, the building originally featured large windows and a central doorway, indicating that the ground floor was likely intended for commercial use. The windows were framed by decorative moldings, and the doorway was probably emphasized by a modest entablature or a pediment, adding a sense of formality to the entrance. The remnants of wrought-iron grilles over the windows suggest that security was a consideration, as was common in urban buildings of this period.

Above the ground floor, the façade reveals the remains of a more ornate design, with arched windows on the first floor that would have provided light and air to the residential or office spaces within. These arched windows are a hallmark of Neo-Renaissance architecture, which often employed such forms to add a sense of grandeur and continuity to the façade. The arches are framed by decorative keystones and moldings, which, though now weathered, still hint at the building's original elegance.

The central portion of the façade is marked by a balcony that once provided an outdoor space for the occupants of the upper floors. This balcony is supported by intricate wrought-iron brackets, which, although corroded, still display the craftsmanship that went into their creation. The balcony itself is enclosed by a wrought-iron balustrade with detailed patterns that reflect the influence of the Art Nouveau movement, which was contemporaneous with the later phases of Eclectic architecture.

The uppermost level of the building features what remains of a cornice that once crowned the structure, providing a clear termination to the façade. This cornice is decorated with dentils and modillions, classical elements that are commonly found in Neo-Classical architecture. These features would have served both an aesthetic and functional purpose, protecting the building from rainwater while also adding a final flourish to the design.

One of the most striking aspects of the building, even in its current state, is the use of brickwork as a primary material. The exposed bricks, some of which have been eroded over time, reveal the building's underlying structure and construction techniques. The brick façade would have originally been covered with stucco or plaster, which has since deteriorated, leaving the raw material exposed. The use of brick, combined with the decorative stone elements, would have given the building a sense of solidity and permanence, qualities that were highly valued in urban architecture of the time.

The overall composition of the building's façade reflects a careful attention to balance and proportion, with each element designed to contribute to a cohesive whole. The vertical alignment of windows, the symmetry of the façade, and the use of classical motifs all suggest that the building was designed to convey a sense of order and refinement, qualities that were associated with the burgeoning middle class of Bucharest during the late 19th century.

Despite the building's current state of disrepair, with much of its decorative elements eroded or missing, it remains a significant part of the architectural heritage of Strada Franceza. The building’s deteriorated condition adds a layer of poignancy to its historical significance, serving as a reminder of the many challenges faced by Bucharest’s architectural heritage, including neglect, economic hardship, and the pressures of urban development.

The building at Strada Franceza 34, although now largely forgotten and in a state of decay, offers a glimpse into the rich architectural history of Bucharest. Its eclectic mix of Neo-Classical and Neo-Renaissance elements, combined with its once-ornate detailing, reflect the ambitions of a city that was rapidly modernizing and aspiring to European standards of architecture and urban design. The building’s current state underscores the importance of preservation efforts, as it stands as a testament to the cultural and historical value that such structures continue to hold, even when they are no longer in their prime.

In conclusion, the building at Strada Franceza 34 is a significant, albeit neglected, example of Eclectic architecture in Bucharest. Its design, characterized by classical symmetry, ornate detailing, and a blend of Neo-Classical and Neo-Renaissance elements, reflects the architectural trends of the late 19th century, a period of growth and modernization for the city. While the building has suffered greatly from the effects of time and neglect, its remaining features offer valuable insights into the design principles and cultural aspirations of the era. As part of the architectural heritage of Strada Franceza, this building plays a crucial role in telling the story of Bucharest’s urban development and the challenges faced in preserving its historical identity.

Sursă: https://www.propertyindex.ro/residential/franceza-34