Covivio is converting its “Bobillot” office building, in Paris’s 13th arrondissement, into a hotel under the Generator brand

An office building converted to revitalise Paris’s accommodation offering

Situated on Rue Bobillot, close to the “Tolbiac” and “Maison Blanche” metro stations (lines 7 and 14), the building enjoys a strategic location in the heart of the 13th arrondissement, in a predominantly residential area and close to the Cité Universitaire and several higher education institutions.

The 13^th arrondissement is also experiencing growing appeal amongst tourists, driven by its rich heritage, cultural and gastronomic offerings, as well as its proximity to several of the capital’s iconic landmarks. This trend helps to strengthen the potential of this location to accommodate a new hotel offering, tailored to the expectations of both tourist and business clients.

Built in 1966 and acquired by Covivio in 2006 from Orange, this 3,650 m² building is spread over five floors, with 16 per cent of the floor area comprising infrastructure.

Following Orange’s departure in February 2023, Covivio, as part of its strategy to transform and rebalance its portfolio, prioritised finding a new use for this asset.

Generator, a new international partner for Covivio

Following a tender process launched in early 2025, Covivio selected Generator to develop and operate the future establishment, which will offer 91 rooms with a total of 454 beds.

The layout will feature a variety of room types, including 21 single rooms, 6 family rooms and 64 rooms with 4, 6 or 8 beds. Twelve of the family and single rooms will have private terraces on the top floor of the building.

In addition to the accommodation, Generator will remain true to its DNA by offering a lively restaurant-café concept that will be at the heart of the experience. This space will be open to both hotel guests and local residents, designed as a genuine hub for socialising, meeting people and enjoying entertainment.

The spaces within the building’s infrastructure will also be fully refurbished, with the creation of over 300 m² of communal living areas, directly connected to the building’s courtyard and its green patio.

This programme has been designed to cater for a diverse clientele, comprising in particular individual travellers, groups and young professionals, whilst blending into the neighbourhood’s urban and residential fabric.

Generator has had a presence in Paris since 2015, with its venue on Place du Colonel Fabien in the 10^th arrondissement.

With this new project, Generator Paris Place d’Italie – due to open in late 2029 – Generator will strengthen its presence in Paris with a second location, in the heart of a rapidly evolving neighbourhood.

A new milestone in Covivio’s transformation strategy

Through this project, Covivio once again demonstrates its commitment to adapting its portfolio to changing uses and market trends, prioritising the conversion of existing assets where their layout and location are suitable.

Generator Paris Place d’Italie will thus breathe new life into an office building constructed in the 1960s, creating accommodation tailored to its surroundings and the changing expectations of travellers.

The management contract, with an initial term of 15 years, will come into effect upon completion in 2029 and is projected to yield a target return of around 7 per cent.