In September 2022, Hines, on behalf of its Pan-European Core Fund (HECF) acquired the 13,610 square metre La Distillerie, an Art Deco building, formerly a mint alcohol distillery, located in Saint-Ouen in the northern suburbs of Paris.
Under a VEFA agreement, with the sale pending future completion, the development will be completely rebuilt and is due to complete construction in the autumn of 2024. In the heart of "new" Saint-Ouen, between the Docks and the Victor Hugo neighbourhood, La Distillerie is an ambitious project. The aim is to develop an office campus combining the highest environmental and technical standards whilst conserving the historic facade of the former Ricqlès distillery, an emblem of the city’s industrial past. Designed by B&B Architecture, La Distillerie plans to retain the imposing historic red brick façade on Boulevard Victor Hugo which is typical of 1930s industrial buildings. The property intends to provide generous floor plates exceeding 2,000 square metres, a double height lobby which comprises two buildings connected by a garden level devoted to numerous amenities including concierge services, a fitness room, restaurant space, a business center and an auditorium. The campus aims to offer its occupants 1,500 square metres of green space and terraces, including an 800 square metre rooftop shielded from the hustle and bustle of the city, four courtyards, a garden, capacity for 1,300 workstations, 100 parking spaces and bicycle racks.
La Distillerie is Hines’ first green loan project in France and intends to target the highest ESG criteria aiming to achieve BBCA Excellent, BREEAM Excellent, NF HQE Excellent and E+C- level E2C2 certifications. The building will also pursue WiredScore Gold certification for user comfort.