We chose to conserve, renovate, and reorganize building 5. Building 7 (center) is partly demolished due to poor historical relevance (as almost nothing remains in its original state) and because its floor levels are functionally incompatible with those of building 9.  Its courtyard wing is also demolished.  Only the upper level addition along the road is conserved.  Building 9 is conserved with the exception of its courtyard wings; these wings are demolished due to poor circulation and in order to free up space in the heart of the block.  Only its upper level addition, coherent on three levels with the volumes and functions of building 7, is conserved.
These demolitions allow us to recreate a joint on the street between buildings 5 and 9.  The new facade fits into the relatively regular sequence of elaborate townhouses on the street.  It does not signal a stronger connection to building 9 than building 5; instead, it offers a visual perspective towards the heart of the city block that is at the center of the complex.
The creation of a large rectangular courtyard that spans all three plots allows the complex to breathe spatially on its north side while also binding the buildings together as a single whole.  A two-floor wing connecting the back sides of buildings 5 and 9 completes the figure. Building 9 is widened in order to align with the new construction of building 7 and the conserved building 5.  The new, central, open space forms a perfect rectangle in the middle of the three plots."
Hardel et Le Bihan, architectes