Vacant lots—a real scourge for many towns across the archipelago—are being transformed into new living spaces in Pointe-à-Pitre. A prime example is the SIG Sonny-Rupaire residential complex, built on Quai Lefevre. This eco-friendly housing complex checks several boxes: meeting the demand for housing in Pointe-à-Pitre, effectively redeveloping a neglected area, creating high-quality, environmentally sustainable housing, and enabling the relocation of tenants from the Henri IV and Bergevin housing projects.
Source: www.karibinfo.com
«This residential complex is a symbol of successful urban redevelopment.", said Harry Durimel, mayor of Pointe-à-Pitre. »I am delighted that this residence bears the name of a distinguished native of Pointe-à-Pitre, Sonny Rupaire, who made a remarkable contribution to the promotion of our heritage, particularly the Creole language. An inspiring figure now immortalized in stone."
Harry Durimel, mayor of Pointe-à-Pitre, was welcomed by Anne-Sophie Grave, president of CDC Habitat.
«Working Together to Succeed Together!»
Jean-François Moniotte, subprefect of Pointe-à-Pitre.
The project was no easy feat, but it resulted in the construction of a 5-story, human-scale residential building featuring very affordable rental housing and commercial spaces, incorporating elements of Caribbean architecture: continuous balconies, arched openings, dormer windows…
«This real estate project, which is exemplary in many ways, enhances the appeal of Pointe-à-Pitre and is part of the major urban renewal program for the Pointe-à-Pitre metropolitan area.", said Jean-François Moniotte, subprefect of Pointe-à-Pitre. »Turning a brownfield site into a complex of 40 housing units reminds us of the need to work together to succeed together!"
A Maryse-Condé residential complex under construction
This achievement certainly warranted a gathering of the various project stakeholders—CDC Habitat, SIG, the City of Pointe-à-Pitre, and the government—for the inauguration of the housing complex named after Sonny-Rupaire (1940–1991). The mural, created by artists Sandra Edwige and Thierry Bergame, pays tribute to the schoolteacher, poet, and nationalist activist, author of the poetry collection, This shattered yam that is my homeland, was unveiled at the event, in the presence of Anne-Sophie Grave, Chair of the Executive Board of CDC Habitat, Jean-François Moniotte, subprefect of Pointe-à-Pitre; Harry Durimel, mayor of Pointe-à-Pitre; SIG staff; and residents and loved ones of Sonny-Rupaire.
The housing complex, which opened on April 2, represents an investment of nearly 4.3 million euros, funded primarily by La Banque des Territoires, the French government, the Departmental Council, and the city of Pointe-à-Pitre. In a few months, the building next to the Sonny-Rupaire residence on Quai Lefevre will welcome new tenants from the SIG to the housing complex, which will be named the writer Maryse Condé, who passed away on April 2.
Cécilia Larney
Developing Brownfields in Pointe-à-Pitre
As an operations manager at SIG, Valérie Vergerolle oversaw the various stages of the construction project through to the completion of the Sonny-Rupaire residential complex in December 2023. «The project has been carried out in collaboration with the city of Pointe-à-Pitre since 2017", ", she explains. »The goal was to redevelop certain vacant lots along Quai Lefèvre. Sonny-Rupaire was one of the first projects launched, but it was affected by unforeseen circumstances, particularly the health crisis."
A new residential development with ocean views, the building is touted as a model of environmental sustainability and quality of life. «The Sonny-Rupaire apartment complex features solar-heated hot water, which allows tenants to reduce their electricity consumption. During construction, we prioritized windows and door frames designed to ventilate the units, which are also equipped with air circulators.»