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Born Brussels. Son of a local jeweller. Founded a progressive school in Brussels which bears his name. Brussels burgomaster 1891 -1899 and during this period campaigned to preserve the dense Flemish Gothic and Renaissance fabric of the old city. He also opposed Leopold II’s plans to construct a rail tunnel through the city centre, which only got built when Buls stepped down. He restored the Grand Place to its original late 17th C. appearance, including the rebuilding of L’Etoile (no 28) which had been pulled down to ease traffic congestion.