Avenue de l'Opéra: demolition

Construction for the Avenue de l'Opéra officially began in 1854, though it was not until 1873 that it received its name (it was originally called "Avenue Napoléon"). The avenue was initially opened in 1864 and situated between Rue Louis-le-Grand and the Boulevard des Capucines. It was extended, however, in 1867 and 1876, and was officially permanently opened at this latter date. It is now located between the Place du Théâtre-Français and the Place de l'Opéra. Like most of Haussmann's work, the construction of the Avenue de l'Opéra resulted in massive demolition of certain quarters and residences. By 1876, the total construction costs reached 9.8 million dollars, and 168 homes were destroyed. This photograph, taken by Charles Marville, is located at the Bibliothèque Historique de la Ville de Paris. Marville was best known for capturing images of the older Parisian quarters prior to urbanization. In 1850, Marville was hired by the city of Paris to document the changes brought on during the demolition and reconstruction of the Haussmann era. He was named the official photographer of Paris in 1862.