Situated in the charming town of Livet-et-Gavet in Isère, the historic Keller Pavilion bears witness to the region’s rich heritage. Constructed in 1912 by architects Jean Benoit and Marius Jean Bonnat, the Pavilion was initially built using local stone. It served not only as the residence of industrialists Charles Albert Keller and Henri Leleux but also housed the managerial offices of their company.
In 1930, the Pavilion underwent a significant expansion, featuring innovative concrete pillars over the Romanche River. This expansion included Charles Albert Keller’s personal office, providing him with a commanding view of the surrounding workshops and factories.
Following Keller’s passing in 1940, the Pavilion passed to his son, who later sold it to Électricité de France (EDF) in 1973. With the decline of industrial activity in the area, the Pavilion’s value dwindled alongside the valley’s economic downturn.
Over the years, the Pavilion changed hands multiple times, transitioning from the electrometallurgy firm Pechiney in 1983 to a local carpenter in 1988. In 2004, it was purchased by Mesut Yasar, a Grenoble-based kebab operator, for a nominal fee.
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Despite various owners’ aspirations to rejuvenate the Pavilion, including Yasar’s ambitious plans to convert it into rental apartments, progress remained elusive. In 2015, two entrepreneurs proposed an extensive rehabilitation project, but allegations of fraud brought an abrupt halt to their efforts, leaving the Pavilion’s future uncertain.
Since 2020, the Pavilion has been overseen by a legal representative. As of January 2024, the Pavilion sits empty, awaiting its next chapter, as it is once again listed for sale, its rich history and architectural splendor enticing potential buyers.
