The monumental City Party Hall was built in 1909 by Alexis Van Mechelen, who was city architect from 1902 until his death in 1919. Architect Van Mechelen became best known for this impressive hall, the first major commission after his appointment, and for the phenomenal Royal Flemish Opera House on Frankrijklei, from around the same period. Both buildings are characterised by monumental eclecticism influenced by the beaux-arts style.
In 2000, a fierce fire almost completely destroyed the City Party Hall, where many Antwerp Sinjoren took their first dance steps. Seven years later, the Stadsfeestzaal resurrected in all its glory and once again became that radiant, dazzling centrepiece of the Meir.