Born in le Havre in 1864, William Cargill was an architect influenced by Victor Horta, from Belgium, and a fervent promoter of the Art Nouveau style. He built several remarkable seafront buildings in his hometown, and others along the boulevard de Strasbourg, including « Fort Chabrol » which was built for the Director of the Franco-Russian factories. « Fort Chabrol » was built in 1900 and stands out with its bow-windows and corner turret, in front of Courthouse.
