History of the
Fondation des États-Unis
Mabel Gage’s Legacy.
Founders Dr. Homer Gage and Mrs. Mabel Knowles Gage.
1920.
The CiuP, created after World War I by André Honnorat, minister of Public Education, offers students a campus dedicated to higher education in Paris while also promoting peace and understanding between countries.
1920-1937.
The first phase of construction: 19 houses of different nationalities were erected, along with the Maison Internationale, a generous gift from John D. Rockefeller Jr., housing student and administrative services.
1927.
American couple Mabel Knowles Gage and Homer Gage begin collecting funds to build the FEU, including part of the fortune Mrs. Gage had inherited from her father who worked in the textile industry.
1928.
Construction begins on the FEU, designed by the architect Pierre Leprince-Ringuet. It is one of the first houses to be built.
1930.
The opening ceremony of the FEU takes place the 28th of April, 1930 in the presence of its founders, the American couple Mabel Knowles Gage and Homer Gage, Walter E. Edge, Ambassador to the United States of America, Gaston Doumergue, President of France, and Sebastien Charléty, Rector of the Academy of Paris.
1933.
The first class of Harriet Hale Woolley Scholars, who live in the ateliers on the 5th floor, are chosen in art, music, and psychiatry.
2007.
Thanks to a partnership between the University of Chicago and the CiuP, the first large renovation project creates 40 comfort rooms in the West Wing of the building.
2010.
The FEU becomes a Recognized Public Utility Foundation (FRUP): created by patrons, it functions as a non-profit institution under private law, who’s cultural and housing missions are consistent with the missions of public service.
2011.
The inauguration of the renovation of the frescoes in the Grand Salon by a team of experts from the Louvre, made possible by patrons. Created by the Franco-American painter Robert La Montagne Saint-Hubert, the frescoes are now classified as a historic monument. Learn more.
2017.
Renovation of the windows and the heating systems of the Grand Salon, made possible by a crowdfunding campaign.
2019.
East Side Story: the transformation of 75 classic rooms into comfort rooms and studios, the renovation of the Residents’ Lounge and the creation of a classroom, an activity room and 2 music studios.
2020.
The FEU celebrates its 90th anniversary and is planning the renovation of the 5th floor, the restoration of its façade, and other occasional renovations in keeping with the Art-Deco style of its interior architecture.
