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Une des forces de Montréal est sa diversité. Et une des raisons pourquoi j'adore cette ville est bien évidemment la diversité que l'on peut décliner de plusieurs façons différentes. La diversité s'exprime par une diversité de climats/saisons, une diversité de restaurants/gastronomies etc. Mais une facette de la diversité de Montréal est son coté multiethnique, religieuse et/ou linguistique. En voici un bel exemple dans cet article provenant du New jersey et faisant part du dynamisme de la communauté juive qui s'exprime dans les nombreux commerces, lieux de cultes et quartiers ayant une forte concentration de gens de cette communauté. http://www.jewishlinknj.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8716:vacationing-in-montreal&catid=165:travel&Itemid=577 Merci à Montréal city weblog pour avoir posté cet article. C'est là que je l'ai vu et j'en profite pour le partager avec la communauté de mtlurb.com

https://www.google.ca/maps/@45.497793,-73.57253,3a,75y,221.83h,78.13t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sgKhEBIte-bSTocbn2bgfgA!2e0 http://ville.montreal.qc.ca/pls/portal/docs/PAGE/ARROND_VMA_FR/MEDIA/DOCUMENTS/CARTE_PROJ_IMMO_VM_AUTORISES_AVRIL2015.PDF Projet Hotel de 12 étages, 140 chambres.

1991 Saint-Martin Ouest - 6 étages Description de la propriété Projet conçu par l’architecte renommé, Carlos Ott, se démarquant par son architecture unique et innovatrice (Structure en bois lamellé); Immeuble d’une superficie locative de près de 115 000 pieds carrés; Bureaux et commerces de prestige visant la certification LEED Platine; Économie d’énergie de plus de 60%; Lumière naturelle et vues pour 90% des espaces de travail grâce à sa configuration en « L »; Situé à l’intersection des boul. Saint-Martin O. et Le Corbusier entre le Collège Montmorency et le Carrefour Laval, à proximité de la station de métro Montmorency; Disponible en 2017. (source : http://gidm.ca/batiment-location/1991-boulevard-saint-martin-ouest/) Le projet a également son site web, très complet : http://le1991st-martin.ca/ Voici une illustration assez haute définition trouvée sur ce même site : http://i.gyazo.com/e4fded7098fc456470bee8495da9778a.jpg --------------------- Ce bâtiment remplace le vieux truc brun coin Saint-Martin/Le Corbusier, en face de l'édifice récent de la Banque Laurentienne. Ça m'a l'air d'un projet de qualité : stationnement invisible depuis la rue, très moderne et avec une touche architecturale que j'aime beaucoup (le bois et la vitre sont très intéressants ensemble). Avec son voisin de la Banque Laurentienne, il va contribuer à améliorer cette intersection, un coin qui a grandement besoin d'être densifié avec tous ces centres d'achat à perte de vue...

Je crois que ça a passé sous le radar régional mais "Les Centres d’Achats Beauward" prévoient construire un nouveau centre de congrès à St-Hyacinthe, agrémenté d'un hôtel de 200 chambres à proximité de l'ancien Hôtel des Gouverneurs qu'ils ont acquis et qu'ils vont démolir (c'était tout pourri apparemment). En gros, ils reconstruisent un équivalent contemporain, connecté à leur centre d'achat. Pour la petite histoire locale, il y a une guéguerre avec un autre centre d'achat de la région, ça s'accuse de magouilles etc, il y a des détails dans l'article. Ah, oui, le PA de Beauward est ni plus ni moins que Marc-A. Bibeau.

L'hôtel Hilton Montréal Bonaventure changera bientôt de propriétaire et de nom. Mis en vente à l'été 2013 par SilverBirch Hotels & Resorts, l'hôtel a enfin trouvé un acheteur, l'hôtelier Claude Chan, président du groupe Kejja, déjà actionnaire de l'hôtel Le Concorde à Québec, qu'il a acquis l'été dernier. L'annonce officielle sera faite aujourd'hui et le changement de main devrait survenir au printemps. L'hôtel sera ensuite exploité sous le nom Hôtel Bonaventure. Est-ce que quelqu'un a entendu parler de ce changement ? Si cette nouvelle est officielle, cela sous-entend que Hilton pourrait prévoir de construire un nouvel édifice ? [url=]http://www.montrealinfo.com/fr/nouvelles/2015-02-04/passage-de-relais[/url]

Selons U.S. News and World Report http://www.montrealgazette.com/travel/RitzCarlton+Montreal+tops+list+luxury+Canadian+hotels+second+time/10764461/story.html Ritz-Carlton in Montreal tops list of luxury Canadian hotels for second time The Canadian Press | 01.26.2015​ U.S. News and World Report has ranked Montreal's Ritz-Carlton for the second year in a row as the best hotel in Canada, citing its stylish decor and amenities including a greenhouse and a French restaurant from celebrity chef Daniel Boulud. Rosewood Hotel Georgia in Vancouver, which features an indoor saltwater pool and multiple dining options, was ranked No. 2, followed by the Trump International Hotel and Tower, 65 storeys high, in downtown Toronto. Properties in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal took eight of the 10 spots in the American publication's 2015 list of top Canadian luxury hotels. Included in the ranking were Fairmont Pacific Rim and Loden Hotel, both in Vancouver; Four Seasons Hotel and Ritz-Carlton, both in Toronto; and Hotel Le St-James in Montreal. Outside the three big cities, Auberge Saint-Antoine in Quebec City and Sonora Resort on B.C.'s Sonora Island also made the cut. U.S. News and World Report said the 10 hotels "persistently wow travellers" with upscale amenities, top-notch service and "a sense of individuality." Visitor reviews and expert opinions were among factors used to compile the list, it said.

Nom: Holiday Inn Montréal Centre-Ville Hauteur en étages: 37 Hauteur en mètres: 120 Coût du projet: Promoteur: Canvar Architecte: Architex Group Entrepreneur général: Emplacement: coin sud-ouest intersection René-Lévesque / Lucien L'Allier Début de construction: Fin de construction: Site internet: http://www.himtl.com Lien webcam: Autres informations: 250 logements, 220 chambres d'hôtel dans les 10 premiers étages Rumeurs: Aperçu artistique du projet: Maquette: Autres images: Vidéo promotionnelle:

Nom: AC Hotel Hauteur en étages: 34 Hauteur en mètres: Coût du projet: Promoteur: Canvar Architecte: Entrepreneur général: Emplacement: entre les rues Anderson et Jeanne-Mance Début de construction: 2015 Fin de construction: 2017 Site internet: http://www.acmarriottmontreal.com/ Lien webcam: Autres informations: L'immeuble logera un hôtel Mariott AC Rumeurs: Aperçu artistique du projet: Maquette: Autres images: Vidéo promotionnelle:

Dans le SFGate Montreal's quartet of cultures creates a colorful pattern Margo Pfeiff Updated 11:25 am, Friday, July 4, 2014 Tourists gather near the Basilique Notre-Dame in Montreal. Photo: Joanne Levesque, Getty Images The Ogilvy Piper makes his way through the jewelry section of the iconic department store at noon every day. Photo: Margo Pfeiff, Special To The Chronicle A room at Old Montreal's classic 18th century Hotel Pierre du Calvet. Photo: Margo Pfeiff, Special To The Chronicle Old Montreal's classic 18th century Hotel Pierre du Calvet. A terrace at an Old Montreal restaurant. Photo: Margo Pfeiff, Special To The Chronicle Activities at the Lachine Canal National Historic Site. Photo: Margo Pfeiff, Special To The Chronicle Ninety percent of all first encounters in downtown Montreal begin with the same two words. That are the same word. "Bonjour. Hi." Respond one way and you parlez français; answer the other and you're in English territory. Despite periodic bickering - including threats of Quebec's separating from the rest of Canada - the biggest French-speaking city outside of Paris has actually become increasingly bilingual and harmonious over recent decades. But with the strong bilateral English-French vibe, what's often overshadowed is that there were four founding cultures that laid down strong roots on this island in the middle of the St. Lawrence River almost 350 years ago. I'm reminded of this as I wait at a traffic light staring at each culture's national symbols on a flapping city flag - the French fleur-de-lis, the red English rose, an Irish shamrock and Scotland's thistle. Though Montreal is wildly multicultural today, in the 19th century, 98 percent of the city's population was French, English, Irish or Scottish. Is it still possible, I wonder, to experience each of those distinct original cultures - including real, non-poutine France and genuine tally-ho England - in modern Montreal? Heart of New France Since I believe every cultural quest is improved with a signature cocktail, I start with France and I order my very first absinthe at the Sarah B Bar, named after Sarah Bernhardt, queen of French tragedy. As couples cuddle in "Green Fairy" alcoves, my bartender pours the notorious chartreuse liquor that Hemingway, Toulouse-Lautrec and Oscar Wilde imbibed in their Parisian days into a specially shaped glass. He rests a flat, perforated "absinthe spoon" topped with a sugar cube across the top, then drips ice water until it is melted, turning the absinthe milky. Legend has it that absinthe has driven men to madness and drove Van Gogh to slice off his ear. Sipping the herbal, floral and slightly bitter cocktail, I look closely at the bottle's label - while the current version is a hefty 160 proof, it's missing the likely source of "la fée verte" (green fairy) hallucinations, wormwood. I teeter on uneven cobblestone streets to the heart of New France in Old Montreal amid clip-clopping horse-drawn carriages. Bells chime from Notre Dame Basilica with its Limoges stained glass windows from France, artists sell their crafts in narrow alleyways, and in the evening, gas lamps still light up rue Ste.-Helene. I check into La Maison Pierre du Calvet, a nine-room guesthouse spanning three small buildings dating back to 1725. It's a stone-walled time capsule with random staircases, crooked hallways and an antique-filled library with ancient fireplaces. Escargot and stag fillet are served in a grand old dining room, and the chateau luxury includes a grand step-up, monarchy-caliber canopied bed. The morning streets waft cafe au lait and croissant aromas as I walk to the walled city's original market square of Place Royale to Maison Christian Faure, a chic new French pastry shop. In the hands-on cooking school, I glean the secrets behind crisp-on-the-outside, chewy-on-the-inside, iconic French macarons. It's so simple they even offer kids' classes, and it's made all the more fun by Lyon-born Faure himself, a Meilleur Ouvrier de France (MOF) - an elite group of France's best chefs - and the stories of his days as pastry chef for French President Nicolas Sarkozy and the prince of Monaco. "I moved here because the public markets are like those in Provence," he croons in a Lyon accent, "and because Montreal is so, mmmmm ... Europe." The pipes are calling While French zealots came to the New World to save the souls of "sauvages," the Scots came to make money. And you can still see plenty of it in the Golden Square Mile's historical buildings sloping up from Sherbrooke Street, downtown's main upscale shopping boulevard, to Mont Royal, the park-topped hill after which the city is named. The area was a residential tycoon alley from 1850 to 1930, occupied by rail, shipping, sugar and beer barons with names like Angus, McIntyre and Molson who owned 70 percent of the country's wealth. About 85 percent of the lavish estates were lost before heritage finally won over demolition in 1973. When I walk those hilly streets for the first time instead of whizzing by in my car, I'm surprised to see downtown with different eyes, an obviously British and Scottish quarter with an eclectic architectural mix from Neo-Gothic and Queen Anne to Art Nouveau, estates with names such as Ravenscrag and castles crafted from imported Scottish red sandstone. These days they're consulates, office headquarters and the Canadian McCord Museum; 30 of the beauties are campus outposts bought by McGill University, a legacy of Scottish merchant James McGill, who donated his 47-acre summer estate to become one of Canada's leading universities. One of my favorite buildings is the 1893 Royal "Vic" (Victoria) Hospital, where you can get your appendix yanked in a Scottish baronial castle complete with turrets. And where there are Scots, there are bagpipes. Montreal's most famous piper is at Ogilvy, a high-end department store on Ste. Catherine Street. Every day from noon to 1 p.m. since 1927, a kilt-clad piper plays marches and reels as he strolls around all five floors, down spiral staircases and beneath massive chandeliers where purchases are packed in tartan bags and boxes I also hear the whining tones of "Scotland the Brave" as I head toward my Highland cocktail at the Omni Hotel, where a kilted piper every Wednesday evening reminds folks emerging from Sherbrooke Street office towers that it's Whisky Folies night, a single-malt-scotch tasting in the Alice Bar. I choose five from the 10- to 20-year-olds served with a cuppa fish and chips. A local Scotsman drops in for a wee one, informing me that there's been a benefit St. Andrews Ball in Montreal every November for 177 years, "but come to the Highland Games, where there's dancing, throwing stuff around and looking up kilts - fun for the whole family." Montreal's bit o' Irish Snippets of the four founding cultures pop up repeatedly when you walk around town - statues of Robbie Burns and Sir John A. Macdonald, the Glasgow-born first prime minister of Canada; the green Art Nouveau ironwork of a Paris Metro at the Victoria Square subway station, given by France; British hero Adm. Horatio Nelson overlooking Old Montreal's main square (though the original likeness was blown to bits by Irish republican extremists in 1966). Ah, the Irish. They arrived in Montreal in big numbers in the early 1800s to build the Lachine Canal to bypass rapids blocking the shipping route to the Great Lakes. They settled nearby in Griffintown, currently a maze of condos and cranes. Stroll along rapidly gentrifying Notre Dame Street, still an eclectic melange of antiques-and-collectibles shops, funky cafes and local bistros. The Irish were unique among English-speaking immigrants - hatred for their English oppressors back home had them cozying up with the French, fellow Catholics. Surprisingly, the Irish legacy is dominant in Montreal; about 40 percent of the population has a wee bit of Blarney blood. Of course there are also pubs and churches, St. Pat's Basilica being the ornate religious hub, its interior adorned with intertwined fleurs-de-lis and shamrocks. Conveniently nearby, sacred brew is served over the altar of Hurley's Pub, a favorite hangout where Irish and Newfoundlanders work magic with fiddles, pipes and drums - even the Pogues have jammed here. I love Hurley's because it's a rare pub with Guinness stout on tap both icy cold and traditionally lukewarm; I prefer the latter for bigger flavor. "Watch him top that brew up three times," Frankie McKeown urges from a neighboring stool. "Even in Ireland they hardly do that now." The Irish come out of the woodwork on March 17, when Canada's oldest St. Patrick's parade turns downtown green, as it has since 1824. "It's amazing," says McKeown. "In Dublin it's all done in 45 minutes, but here we're watching floats for three hours." A grand party ensues afterward at Hurley's. "But it's just as much fun on Robbie Burns Day, when a haggis held high follows a piper through the pub." Britain in the mix Britain enters Montreal's picture after the Seven Years War in the 1760s when France dumps Quebec in exchange for the sugar colonies of Martinique and Guadeloupe. By 1845, about 55,000 British top out as 57 percent of Montreal's population - and the percentage has been dwindling ever since. While there may not be much Scottish brogue or Irish lilt left these days, there's plenty of culture on the plate and in the glass, though surprisingly not so much representing British roots in Montreal. In 2012, English chef Jamie Oliver made big waves by teaming up with Montreal chef Derek Dammann to highlight creative British tavern-inspired fare at the popular Maison Publique (Public House), serving locally sourced, home-smoked/pickled and cured angles on Welsh rarebit, hogget with oats and cabbage, and the like. Otherwise, the truest of Montreal's British establishments is the Burgundy Lion in Griffintown, one of the few places to offer Sunday British "footie" on the big screens, as kippers 'n' eggs, Lancashire pot pie and cucumber sandwiches are dished out by gals in tight, mod-'70s outfits. I happen to drop in during England's National Day, St. George's, to find the place hopping with dart-throwing, papier-mache piñata-style "dragon slaying" and ballad singing. I wind up at the bar sipping my pint of Boddingtons between two fellows, both dressed in fake chain mail. The one also draped in a Union Jack British flag clicks my glass with his bottle, announcing "Here's to Blighty!" before raising the visor on his medieval knight helmet to take a royal slug. Can you still experience Montreal's four founding nations in this multicultural modern city? Oui. Yes. And aye. If You Go GETTING THERE Air Canada offers daily flights from San Francisco to Montreal year round. (888) 247-2262, www.aircanada.com. WHERE TO STAY La Maison Pierre du Calvet: 405 Bonsecours St., Old Montreal. (514) 282-1725 or (866) 544-1725. www.pierreducalvet.ca/english. Lavish French colonial inn. From $265 double with continental breakfast. (Two on-site dining rooms serve French fare.) Fairmont Queen Elizabeth: 900 Rene Levesque Blvd. West. (866) 540-4483. www.fairmont.com/queen-elizabeth-montreal. A classic fit for everyone from the Queen Mother to John and Yoko; where they recorded "Give Peace a Chance" in 1969. From $209 double. Hotel Nelligan: 106 St. Paul West, Old Montreal. (877) 788-2040. www.hotelnelligan.com. Chic boutique hotel named after a famed Irish-French poet. From $250 double. WHERE TO EAT Le Mas des Oliviers: 1216 Bishop St. (514) 861-6733. www.lemasdesoliviers.ca. Classic French cuisine at a landmark downtown restaurant, one of the city's oldest places to eat. Dinner for two from $120. Also open for lunch. Restaurant L'Express: 3927 St. Denis. (514) 845-5333, www.restaurantlexpress.ca. Popular, casual French bistro, a Montreal icon. Dinner for two from $60. Maison Publique: 4720 Rue Marquette. (514) 507-0555, www.maisonpublique.com. Jamie Oliver's hip, up-market and creative take on British tavern fare. Very popular, no reservations. Dinner for two from $60. Burgundy Lion: 2496 Notre-Dame West. (514) 934-0888, www.burgundylion.com. Only true British pub in Montreal. Large selection of local and imported brews and one of Canada's biggest single-malt whiskey collections. English gastro pub menu with lunch and dinner from $40 for two. Hurley's Irish Pub: 1225 Crescent St. (514) 861-4111, www.hurleysirishpub.com. Great selection of brews, a traditional Emerald Isle pub menu, and Irish and/or Newfoundland fiddle music nightly. Entrees from $10. WHAT TO DO Point-a-Calliere Museum of Archaeology and History: 350 Place Royale, Old Montreal. (514) 872-7858, www.pacmusee.qc.ca/en/home. Excellent museum set atop the original city town square. Closed Mondays except in summer. Adults $18. McCord Museum: 690 Rue Sherbrooke West. (514) 398-7100, www.mccord-museum.qc.ca/en. Extensive cultural museum of all things Canadian. Frequent exhibitions of Montreal's various cultures. Closed Mondays. Adults $12. Fitz and Follwell Co: 115 Ave. du Mont-Royal West. (514) 840-0739, www.fitzandfollwell.co. Guided Montreal biking, walking and unique snow tours. Martin Robitaille: Private history-oriented city guide. martrob@videotron.ca. Maison Christian Faure: 355 Place Royale, Old Montreal, (514) 508-6453, www.christianfaure.ca. Hands-on French pastry and macaron-making classes. There's even a pastry-making boot camp for kids. Whisky Folies, Omni Hotel: 1050 Sherbrooke West. (514) 985-9315, http://bit.ly/1iCaJxc . Single-malt scotch and whisky tastings with fish and chips every Wednesday, 5-9 p.m.. From $16 to $40. My Bicyclette: 2985-C St. Patrick (Atwater Market). (877) 815-0150, www.mybicyclette.ca. Bike rental and tours of the Lachine Canal region. MORE INFORMATION Tourism Montréal: www.tourisme-montreal.org. Tourism Québec: www.bonjourquebec.com. Margo Pfeiff is a freelance writer living in Montreal. E-mail: travel@sfchronicle.com

Originally built in 1971.

Grosse réno sur l'édifice donnant sur le Square Phillips, annoncé dans La Presse+ avec un rendu spectaculaire. Ajout d'un étages (ou deux), par Montoni. Le projet sera présenté à Montréal du futur. Je ne peux malheureusement pas faire de capture d'écran. Quelqu'un a LaPresse+?

Bonjour, Voici un projet dont j'ai très peu d'information, seulement une image provenant du livre : Montréal, son histoire, son architecture tome 2 de Guy Pinard page 45. Je n'ai pas trouvé de sujet semblable dans ce forum alors je vous le propose. En 1931, un architecte propose un nouvel Hôtel de ville et un nouveau centre des affaires à Montréal,: Si quelqu'un a des information supplémentaire sur ce projet, n'hésitez pas à le partager!!

MARTIN JOLICOEUR . les affaires.com . 17-10-2013 (modifié le 17-10-2013 à 09:40) Un autre hôtel du centre-ville de Montréal, l’Hôtel du Fort, fermera ses portes à la fin du mois pour être transformé en un nouveau complexe de condominiums. GMI Hospitality, gestionnaire de l’hôtel en activité depuis 21 ans, justifie sa décision par des difficultés financières. «Le secteur de l’hôtellerie fait face à des pressions économiques et nous n’avons pas été épargnés», a expliqué, par voie de communiqué, la présidente de GMI, Lori Polacheck. L’entreprise à capital fermé a décidé de convertir l’hôtel montréalais, situé au 1 390 rue du Fort, en un nouveau projet d’habitations en copropriété. Un autre... qui s’ajoutera à la kyrielle d’autres projets déjà promis et en cours de réalisation dans le même quadrilatère de l’ouest du centre-ville. Par la voie de son porte-parole, GMI s’est refusé à toute précision en ce qui a trait au nombre d’unités de condominium prévues, aux montants d’investissement, de même qu’à la catégorie de construction visée. Parle-t-on, par exemple, de condominium pour premiers acheteurs, ou encore de résidence pour millionnaires? «Impossible de vous en dire d’avantage, s’est excusé le porte-parole, Jonathan Goldbloom. Une annonce sera faite à ces propos dans le prochains mois.» ... (lire l'article au complet) [sTREETVIEW]https://maps.google.com/maps?q=Hotel+du+Fort,+Fort+Street,+Montreal,+QC,+Canada&hl=en&ll=45.490983,-73.58075&spn=0.006385,0.011716&sll=45.492864,-73.580364&sspn=0.006385,0.011716&oq=hotel+du+For&t=h&z=17&layer=c&cbll=45.491777,-73.581371&panoid=0dUOnm19ssXkAC8X9CU37w&cbp=12,179.82,,0,-17.47[/sTREETVIEW]

Ca bouge aujourd'hui Envoyé depuis mon SGH-T999V avec Tapatalk

Source: Taylor Noakes Je ne suis pas souvent d'accord avec ce type, mais ce billet est intéressant. Cliquez le lien pour y voir les photos nécessaire pour bien comprendre l'article. Came across an interesting conversation on Montreal City Weblog that started out about a bit of news that the Hilton Bonaventure is up for sale but ended up on the subject of some of our city’s ugliest buildings. The question was whether the entirety of Place Bonaventure was on the block or just the Hotel (and what the Hotel’s stake in the building was, by extension), and one commentator stated he’d prefer to see the building destroyed and replaced with a ‘proper European-styled train station, a worthy Southern Entrance to the city’ (I’m paraphrasing but that was the gist of it). Ultimately it is just the hotel that is for sale. Of note, the Delta Centre-Ville (another building I have mixed feelings about) recently announced it is closing in October, putting some 350 people out of work. The University Street building, co-located with the Tour de la Bourse is to be converted into – get this – high-end student housing. I don’t know if the rotating restaurant on the upper floors is still operational, but I’m going to find out. I can imagine a high-priced and slightly nauseating meal with a fantastic if intermittent view awaits… The Hilton Bonaventure occupies the top floors of Place Bonaventure, a building designed from the inside-out that was originally conceived as an international trade centre and convention space. When opened in 1967 it boasted an immense convention hall, five floors of international wholesalers, two floors of retail shopping, a collection of international trade mission head offices and the aforementioned hotel. The building was heavily modified in 1998, losing its wholesale and retail shopping component as it was converted into office space. The exterior is in the brutalist style of poured, ribbed concrete, some of which has cracked and fallen off. Though an architecturally significant building, it’s far from a beauty. The rooftop hotel is perhaps the building’s best feature, involving a sumptuous interior aesthetic heavy on earth tones interacting with plenty of natural sunlight, bathing the hotel’s multiple levels while simultaneously exposing the well-cultivated rooftop garden and pool. In any event, the discussion on Montreal City Weblog brought up general disinterest in Place Bonaventure’s looks, but commentators had other ideas about what they considered to be our city’s truly ugliest building. Montreal Forum, circa 1996. Montreal Forum, circa 1996. Weblog curator Kate McDonnell’s pick is the Cineplex Pepsi AMC Forum Entertainment Complex Extravaganza (brought to you by Jonathan Wener at Canderel Realty). I won’t disgrace the pages of this blog by showing you what it looks like – just go take a waltz around Ste-Catherine’s and Atwater and when you start dry heaving you’ll know you’re looking at one of the worst architectural abominations to ever befall a self-respecting society. The above image is what the Forum looked like pre-conversion, probably shortly after the Habs moved to the Bell Centre (formerly the Molson Centre, formerly General Dynamics Land Systems Place). This would’ve been the Forum’s second or third makeover since it was first built in the 1920s, and as you can see, a strong local Modernist vibe with just a touch of the playful in the inter-lacing escalators deigned to look like crossed hockey sticks is pretty much all there is to it. Simple, straightforward, even a touch serious – a building that looked like the ‘most storied building in hockey history’. But today – yea gods. Frankly I’m surprised we haven’t formed a mob to arson it all the way back to hell, where the current incarnation of the Montreal Forum aptly belongs. From what I’ve heard Satan needs a multiplex on which to show nothing but Ishtar. All that aside, I agree that the Forum is awfully ugly, but it’s not my choice for ugliest city-wide. Other suggestions from the conversation included the Port Royal Apartments on Sherbrooke and the National Bank Building on Place d’Armes, though commentators seemed to agree this was mostly because they felt the building was out of place, and rendered ugly more by the context of its surroundings, or its imposition upon them, than anything else. The Big O was mentioned, as was Concordia’s ice-cube tray styled Hall Building. La Cité was brought up as an ultimately failed project that disrupts a more cohesive human-scale neighbourhood, and so were some of McGill’s mid-1970s pavilions. Surprisingly, the Chateau Champlain wasn’t brought up, though I’ve heard many disparage it as nothing but a fanciful cheese-grater. 1200 McGill College - Centre Capitol 1200 McGill College – Centre Capitol But after all that is said and done, I’m not convinced we’ve found Montreal’s ugliest building. My personal choice is 1200 McGill College, the building above, a drab and dreary brown brick and smoked glass office tower of no particular architectural merit or patrimonial value that I personally believe is ugly by virtue of marring the beauty of the buildings around it, notably Place Ville Marie and just about everything else on McGill College. Worse still, it replaced what was once a grand theatre – the Capitol – with something that would ultimately become a large Roger’s call centre. Ick. However much corporate office real estate our city happens to have, we could all do without whatever this puny out-of-style building provides. Suffice it to say, I would gladly sell tickets to its implosion. But in writing this article I remembered a building even more hideous and out of place than 1200 McGill College: This monstrosity… Avis Parking Garage on Dorchester Square - credit to Spacing Montreal Avis Parking Garage on Dorchester Square – credit to Spacing Montreal There is simply no excuse for a multi-level parking garage conceived in such ostentatiously poor taste to occupy such a prime piece of real estate as this, and so I can only infer that the proprietor is either making a killing in the parking game or, that the proprietor is waiting to try and get building height restrictions relaxed. It’d be a great spot for a tony condo complex, but given that it’s wedged between the iconic Sun Life and Dominion Square buildings it’s likely the lot has some significant zoning restrictions, making a tower – the only really viable residential model given the size of the plot – highly unlikely. I can’t imagine a tower on this spot would do anything but take away from the already hyper precise proportions of the square. Personally, I think the spot would be ideal for a medium-sized venue, especially considering it’s adjacent to the preserved former Loews Theatre, currently occupied by the Mansfield Athletic Association. In better days the city might have the means to redevelop the former Loews into a new performance venue; a gym can go anywhere, an authentic turn of the century vaudeville-styled theatre is a precious commodity these days. Think about it – a medium-sized theatre and performance complex in the middle of a pre-existing entertainment and retail shopping district. I think that might work here. Either way – boo on this parking lot. And come to think of it, I wouldn’t mind seeing just about every single modernist apartment tower built in the McGill and Concordia ghettoes in the 1960s and 1970s removed from the skyline as well. But I leave it to you – what do you think is the single ugliest building in Montreal? Feel free to send pics if you have them.

La ville de St-Eustache a une grande histoire. Une histoire qui se situe principalement dans les années 1700 et 1800 mais dont le point culminant se joue le 14 décembre 1837 lors de l'attaque militaire du général et gouverneur John Colborne envers les patriotes. Aujourd'hui nous somme bien loin de tout cela. Voici donc quelques photos d'un passé pas si lointain et du présent de cette ville. __________________________________ L’histoire de la paroisse Saint-Eustache remonte au XVIIIe siècle. Un presbytère-chapelle est construit dès 1774 sur un terrain ayant été offert par le Seigneur Louis-Eustache Lambert Dumont et longeant la rivière des Mille-Îles. Six ans plus tard, débute la construction de la première église, qui sera bénite en 1783. Entre 1830 et 1833 l’actuelle haute façade en pierre est construite. Cette église occupe une place spéciale dans l’histoire du Québec surtout en raison des événements tragiques qui s’y sont déroulés en 1837, lors de la bataille des Patriotes. Le bâtiment sera lourdement endommagé lors de la rébellion . Ce n'est que 4 ans plus tard, que le curé Paquin peut enfin entreprendre la reconstruction de l'église. Durant la deuxième moitié du XXe siècle, Saint-Eustache connaît un important développement économique et démographique. Ainsi, les paroisses Christ-Roi, Saint-Esprit et Sainte-Marguerite-Bourgeoys voient le jour respectivement en 1964, 1970 et 1989, afin de répondre aux besoins d’une communauté en croissance. Quant à l’église de Saint-Eustache, elle fut classée monument et lieu historique en 1970. Grâce à sa voûte en berceau elle bénéficie d’une si belle acoustique que l'Orchestre symphonique de Montréal y a enregistré tous ses albums pendant plus de 20 ans. Elle est d’ailleurs visitée par des milliers de touristes chaque année. Source: Ville de St-Eustache. Église de St-Eustache, 1920 // 23 Mars 2013. Les bâtiments de droite ont disparus mais la Maison Charles Marsil a gauche, est toujours en place... Hotel St-Eustache vers 1940 // 1975 Située au 124-128 Rue Saint Eustache, l’Hôtel Saint-Eustache, dans la rue du même nom, a connu plusieurs propriétaires durant sa longue vie, dont Joseph-Mathias Goulet, les familles Pesant, Laurin et Jos. Lauzé. L’hôtel dispose de la traditionnelle taverne en plus d’être le point de service local pour la compagnie de d’autobus Provincial Transport. Comme plusieurs autres établissements de Saint-Eustache, il fut rasé par un incendie d’origine douteuse dans les années '80. Ce bâtiment comprenait aussi dans les années '70, la discothèque "Le Stress", qui était très populaire a cette époque. Hotel St-Eustache 1975 // 30 mars 2013. (tout a disparue, des condos font maintenant partie du décor). Hotel Riviere du Chene, St-Eustache, 1902. (Vue de la rue St-Eustache) L’Hôtel Rivière-du-Chêne bâti vers 1900 sur la rue Saint-Eustache au coin de la rue Dorion, a pris le nom d’Hôtel des Mille-Iles et a longtemps été opéré par Napoléon Robin et son fils Jean. L’hôtel fut rénové puis converti en logements vers 1967. Ce qu'est devenue l'Hotel Rivière du Chêne, 30 mars 2013 Hotel Riviere du Chene, St-Eustache, 1968 (coin Dorion). 30 mars 2013, coin Dorion. La maison Brion, année inconnue // 30 mars 2013. Construite en 1771, la maison Brion est située au 65 de la rue Saint-Louis, dans le vieux Saint-Eustache. Avec l'église de Saint-Eustache, elle est un des rares témoins de la bataille du 14 décembre 1837. Le 14 décembre 1837, comme une bonne partie du village, la maison est incendiée durant la bataille. Elle restera en ruines pendant neuf ans, témoin de la lutte. En septembre 1838, Pierre Janvry donne le terrain et les murs de pierre qui subsistent à son fils Édouard, comme cadeau pour son mariage avec Marie-Charles Dumoulin. Un an plus tard, Édouard revend le tout à Ambroise Brion dit Lapierre, un cultivateur de Saint-Eustache. En mai 1846, Lapierre signe un marché de construction avec le maçon Ulric Robillard. Ce dernier devra démolir ce qui reste des murs du second étage (car a l'origine elle avait donc deux étages) et reconstruire la maison dans les murs du rez-de-chaussée. C'est cette maison que nous pouvons toujours observer aujourd'hui sur la rue Saint-Louis. Magasin Paquin vers 1898 // 30 mars 2013. Au début de 1800, le docteur Jacques Labrie acquiert la propriété de Joseph Debien sur la rue Saint-Eustache. Il agrandit la maison et fait ériger des murs de pierres. Il habite la demeure près de 20 ans. Puis, William-Henry Scott achète la propriété et y établit un magasin général. A sa mort, les enfants Scott continuent à opérer le commerce. En 1875, Joseph-Albert Paquin acquiert la bâtisse. Après un incendie majeur en 1889, la maison et le magasin sont reconstruits. Devenu une quincaillerie, le commerce ferme ses portes vers 1990. La maison est toujours occupée par les descendants de Joseph-Albert Paquin. Banque Provincial, 1970 // 30 mars 2013. Ce bâtiment construit dans les années '20 et abritant la banque provinciale (aujourd’hui fusionnée avec la banque canadienne nationale qui a créé la banque nationale) a eu pignon sur la rue St-Eustache de 1930 à 1979. Hotel Bellevue dans les années '60 // 30 mars 2013. Situé a l'angle des rues Saint-Louis et Saint-Eustache (face a l'église). Elle fut construite entre 1905 et 1910 par Cléophas Laurin puis opéré par Charles-Édouard Girard, l’hôtel Bellevue accueille des visiteurs de partout. Dans les années 1950, l’aile ‘Indian Lounge’ est ajoutée du côté sud-ouest. Le corps principal de l’hôtel fut incendié en 1974, ne laissant que l’aile ‘Indian Lounge’. Aujourd’hui un commerce de vêtements occupe la bâtisse rénovée en plus d'un autre bâtiment plus récent construit a l'emplacement de l'hotel. La maison Globensky-Coriveau vers 1890 et 1930. Portant les adresses 64 et 68 rue St-Eustache dans le village du même nom, Hubert Globensky fit construire cette maison en 1832. Le notaire Cyrille H. Champagne s’y installe ensuite jusqu’à sa mort en 1906. Son fils Hector y réside jusqu’à son décès en 1941. Enfin, le docteur Yvon Corriveau acquiert la maison en 1941. [C’est lui qui va la faire reculer de quelques mètres vers l’arrière]. Maintenant, l’emplacement est occupé par le restaurant Saint-Eustache. Source: Ville de St-Eustache ------------------------------------------------------------ De la fin des années 1780 jusqu'en 1795, l'emplacement de la maison Hubert Globensky appartient à la seigneuresse de Blainville, Marie-Thérèse Céloron de Blainville. En 1799, Auguste Globensky, un chirurgien polonais s'étant établi au Canada après la Révolution américaine, achète le terrain. Une maison en pièce sur pièce ainsi que divers bâtiments s'y trouvent déjà. À la mort de son père en 1830, le marchand Hubert Globensky fait l'acquisition de la propriété. Deux ans plus tard, il fait démolir l'ancienne demeure et bâtit la résidence actuelle. Le magasin et la maison d'Hubert Globensky sont pillés par les Patriotes durant les jours précédent la bataille du 14 décembre 1837. En raison du soutien apporté par Globensky au parti loyal, sa demeure est toutefois épargnée par les troupes du général Colborne. Une partie de l'état-major de l'armée britannique y est logé après la bataille. En 1941, le docteur Yvon Corriveau devient propriétaire de la maison. En plus d'y apporter quelques modifications, il la fait reculer de quelques mètres vers l'arrière. La demeure était auparavant située en bordure du trottoir. La maison Hubert Globensky est l'une des rares demeures d'inspiration néoclassique dans la région. L'architecture néoclassique apparaît durant la seconde moitié du XVIIIe siècle et domine jusqu'à la moitié du XIXe siècle. Style inspiré de l'Antiquité gréco-romaine, le néoclassique se démarque par sa recherche de symétrie, d'harmonie et de clarté. Les maisons d'inspiration néoclassique se caractérisent aussi par la présence d'une vaste galerie couverte d'un auvent en façade ainsi que d'un fronton au-dessus de la porte d'entrée. La façade de la maison Hubert Globensky était auparavant ornée d'une longue galerie. 30 Mars 2013, Position éloignée du trottoir par rapport a avant 1941. .....a suivre !!

I'm looking for MORE like this. Particularly around Square Victoria (Hotel W / CDP). These two pics are too small to satisfy my curiosity/nostalgia, but they're all I could find. This stuff is at most 10 years old, I'm surprised how few pictures google images turns up. Before After Palais des Congres construction would also be fine, stuff like this:

Source: Houzz (Le copier-Coller est tellement long, ça ne me tente pas de l'éditer, allez voir l'article pour une lecture plus facile) Residents of Montreal didn't UNESCO's crowning it the City of Design in 2006 to reaffirm their love affair with their city. Referred to as Canada's cultural capital, Montreal can claim bragging rights to a summer full of international festivals along with world-renowned architecture and stylish bars and restaurants. As you read through this guide, put together by myself and fellow Montreal native Laura Garner, visualize yourself admiring the unique art installations of each metro station, walking through more than 32 kilometers (20 miles) of tunnels in the Underground City or riding in a horse-drawn carriage through the cobblestone streets in the very European area of Old Montreal. No matter how you choose to get somewhere in the city, Montreal always has a way of surprising you along the way. More city guides for design junkies This view of the St. Lawrence river shows off the beauty of the Montreal skyline at night and includes the Bell Center (where the Montreal Canadiens play hockey). This photo was taken from one of the bridges that connects Cité du Havre (a strip of land where the Habitat 67 community is located; see below) to the Île Sainte-Hélène, which houses La Ronde amusement park and is home to the popular indie music festival Osheaga and the Formula 1 racetrack. A couple notes on the information that follows: We have included the nearest metro stop and have highlighted design destinations by neighborhood. Must-Sees Mount Royal Park: A 200-hectare (about 500-acre) park in the heart of the city Location: From Côte-de-Neiges Road to Park Avenue, between avenue des Pins and Voie Camillien Houde (metro: Mont-Royal) Noteworthy: Lookout points throughout the park offer the best views of the city, day or night. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (the designer of New York's iconic Central Park), Mount Royal is a year-round congregating spot for residents and tourists alike. Summertime brings long walks around the pond and picnics under the trees, while winter offers ice skating. If you're in Montreal on a Sunday in the summertime, head to the Sir George-Étienne Cartier monument to see the free, unofficial event known as the Tam-Tams, where hundreds of people gather to drum and dance under the sun. by Laura Garner » Habitat 67: A stunning 12-story apartment complex designed by architect Moshe Safdie Location: 2600 avenue Pierre-Dupuy (near the casino) Noteworthy: The apartments are designed with lots of privacy, terrace gardens and multiple levels that face the St. Lawrence river. Designed in 1967 by Montreal architect Moshe Safdie for his master thesis, and debuting at the Expo 67 world's fair, the revolutionary 146-residence housing complex places single-family dwellings in an urban environment. More info: Habitat 67 by Laura Garner » Palais de Congres: Montreal's convention center Location: 159 rue St. Antoine West (metro: Place-D'Armes) Noteworthy: Located between the downtown core and Old Montreal, the Palais features 113 rooms and venues. Its multicolored glass facade is made up of 332 colored glass panels and 58 transparent panels. More info: Palais de Congress by Laura Garner » Grande Bibliothèque: Montreal's largest public library Location: 475 boulevard de Maisonneuve East (metro: Berri-UQAM) Noteworthy: Built in 2005 and located in the bustling Latin Quarter downtown, with direct access to the metro and Underground City, this contemporary six-story building has large horizontal plates of glass running along the complete exterior. The space includes an exhibition hall, a theater and a complete floor for children as well as top-of-the line audiovisual equipment. More info: Grande Bibliothèque by Laura Garner » Notre Dame Basilica: Centuries-old basilica Location: 110 Notre-Dame Street West, corner of Saint Sulpice Street (metro: Place D'Armes) Cost: $5 Canadian (about U.S.$5) for adults; $4 for ages 7 to 17; free for children 6 and under Noteworthy: Its opulent and colorful interior hosts about 100 weddings each year, with Celine Dion being among those who have tied the knot here. This is a beautiful example of the Gothic revival style of architecture; it was the first of its kind to be built in Canada. The basilica displays stained glass windows that feature the history of religion in Montreal, which is not typically done. More info: Notre Dame Basilica by Esther Hershcovich » Must-Eats Le Confessionnal: Trendy bar Location: 431 rue McGill in Old Montreal (metro: Square Victoria) Cost: From $9 Canadian (about U.S.$9) per cocktail Noteworthy: Seductive red decor and dim lighting from chandeliers make for a moody atmosphere After a few drinks, Old Montreal doesn't disappoint for foodies. The area is a design lover's paradise. Try the three-course lunch menu for $28 Canadian within the black-painted walls of the popular Les 400 Coups (400 Notre Dame Est). If you're lucky enough to get a reservation, make sure to eat dinner at Garde Manger (408 rue St. François Xavier), owned by celebrity chef Chuck Hughes. Besides bar Le Confessionnal, try an after-dinner drink at the Philemon Bar (111 rue St. Paul Ouest), known for its laid-back yet trendy ambience. Don't forget to admire its decor, done by Montreal interior designer Zébulon Perron. More info: Le Confessional, Les 400 Coups, Garde Manger, Philemon Bar by Amielle Clouatre » Bar Pullman: Upscale bar Location: 3424 avenue du Parc, corner of Sherbrooke downtown (metro: Place des Arts) Cost: From $4.50 Canadian for a 2-ounce glass of wine to $5 Canadian for tapas Noteworthy: Upscale yet understated ambience This wine bar is something of a hidden gem in the downtown core of Montreal, offering wine samplers and delicious tapas to accompany them (try the foie gras). If you want a casual meal, check out Lola Rosa (545 rue Milton), a cozy vegetarian eatery in the McGill ghetto that is very popular with university students. Across the city are several locations of the crisp white tea shops called David's Tea, recently lauded by Oprah. Be sure to smell them all. More info: Pullman, Lola Rosa, David's Tea by Laura Garner » L'Ambroisie: A popular French restaurant Location: 4020 St. Ambroise, in the historic Chateau St.-Ambroise, Little Burgundy and St. Henri (Sud-Ouest) neighborhood (metro: Place St. Henri) Cost: From $19 Canadian for a table d'hôte dinner Noteworthy: The hallway of the building leading to the entrance displays quirky antique items such as suits of armor and a circus caravan. Housed in the Chateau St.-Ambroise along the Lachine Canal, this charming restaurant displays an eclectic mix of industrial architectural elements combined with Greco-Roman features. Offering French cuisine, this restaurant is something you have to try at least once. Other noteworthy suggestions for a gourmet meal in the neighboring areas of Montreal include Joe Beef and Tuck Shop — make sure to make a reservation. If you're in the mood for a picnic, be sure to stop by the Atwater Market farmer's market to pick up fresh fruits, meats and cheeses. More info: L'Ambroisie, Joe Beef, Tuck Shop, Atwater Market by Esther Hershcovich » Baldwin Barmacie: A design-minded bar Location: 115 avenue Laurier Ouest in Plateau and Mile End (metro: Laurier) Cost: Drinks start at $7 Canadian Noteworthy: The design evokes a contemporary pharmacy theme. If you want to feel transported back to the Mad Men era, the decor and drink list at Baldwin Barmacie are sure to please. Midcentury modern decor gets an update with neutral colors and clean lines. If you're a fan of cocktails, a must-try is the hip bar Distillerie (with three locations in central Montreal). The biggest hit? Delicious and creative cocktails presented in mason jars. If you're on the hunt for a breakfast spot in the Plateau, look no farther than Resto Fabergé, a breakfast place with a lounge atmosphere. The interior design, done by the architects at laroche et gagné, is bright and fun and worth a look. Try the breakfast poutine. More info: Baldwin Barmacie, La Distillerie, Resto Fabergé by Les Enfants Terribles Brasserie » Les Enfants Terribles: Restaurant and bar Location: 1257 Bernard Ouest in Mile End/Outremont Cost: Cocktails start at $10 Canadian, tartare plates start at $14 Canadian Noteworthy: Rustic wood, chalkboards and murals all add charm to this brasseries and its terrace, designed by architect Louis-Joseph Papineau. If you're up for rich French pastries, a walk up the block will take you to Boulangerie Cheskie. On the must-try list is the chocolate babka. St.-Viateur Bagel is another classic stop in the area. Open 24/7, this legendary shop has been mentioned in various books and films. More info: Les Enfants Terribles, St.-Viateur Bagel Must-Dos Place des Arts: A performing arts center Location: 175 rue St. Catherine Ouest (metro: Place des Arts) Noteworthy: The center holds festivals throughout the year, including the Jazz Festival, Just for Laughs and Montreal's Nuit Blanche. Want to see Marie-Antoinette performed by les Grands Ballets Canadiennes? Head to one of Place des Arts' 10 halls. The Symphony Hall, with an interior made almost completely of light beech, is the most recent addition to the complex. A metro ride away, on St. Laurent, is the Society for Arts and Technology (SAT), a nonprofit center featuring cutting-edge audiovisual experiences for everyone. More info: Place des Arts, SAT by Laura Garner » Canadian Center for Architecture Location: 1920 rue Baile, downtown (Rene-Levesque Boulevard and rue Saint Marc), (metro: Georges Vanier) Cost: $10 Canadian for adults; $7 Canadian for seniors; free for students and children; free for all on Thursday evenings Noteworthy: The Canadian Center for Architecture (CCA) was built in 1979 with the goal of raising awareness of the role of architecture in society. Across the street you can find the CCA Garden, a public sculpture installation by Montreal architect Melvin Charney. More info: Canadian Center for Architecture by Esther Hershcovich » Architectural Bike Tour: A guided four-hour adventure through the streets of Old Montreal Location: 27 rue de la Commune Est (metro: Champ de Mars) Cost: Rentals starting at $6.50 Canadian Noteworthy: You can also see it on your own by downloading the Architecture Walking Tour app. Relax after a long day of exploring at Spa Bota Bota, a serene five-deck boat anchored on the St. Lawrence river. More info: Architectural Bike Tour, Spa Bota Bota by Esther Hershcovich » Must-Stays Hotel Gault Location: 449 rue St. Helene (metro: Square Victoria) Cost: From $178 Canadian Noteworthy: Minimalistic design contrasted by large French windows on a corner located steps away from the downtown area. This luxurious 1871 hotel has 30 suites and a restaurant. Spend some quiet time in its library, complete with a warm fireplace for the cold nights. More info: Hotel Gault by Laura Garner » LHotel Location: 262 St. Jacques West in Old Montreal (metro: Square Victoria) Cost: From $135 Canadian Noteworthy: The collection of artwork on display is fit for a museum. This boutique hotel is in the heart of Old Montreal. Owned by Georges Marciano of clothing brand Guess, the LHotel has become the permanent home for Marciano's extensive personal pop art collection, including works by Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and Damien Hirst. More info: LHotel by Hotel St. Paul » Hôtel St. Paul Location: 355 McGill Street in Old Montreal (metro: Square Victoria) Cost: From $195 Canadian Noteworthy: This was Old Montreal's first boutique hotel. Using the four elements of fire, ice, earth and ocean as inspiration, this Old Montreal boutique hotel has a monochromatic color palette and natural textures that give the decor a soft, ethereal feeling. More info: Hôtel St. Paul by Laura Garner » Loft Hotel Location: 334-336 Terasse St. Denis in the Plateau (metro: Sherbrooke) Cost: From $125 Canadian Noteworthy: The building was once used as storage space for Canadian Armed Forces tanks. Completed in 1920 by prominent Montreal architect Ernest Cormier, the building that houses the Loft Hotel is one of Montreal's enduring art deco landmarks. The building was recently converted into loft-style hotel rooms, which are as spacious as they are trendy. More info: Loft Hotel by Esther Hershcovich » Must-Visit Shops Les Touilleurs: Cooking supply store Location: 152 avenue Laurier Ouest in the Mile End (metro: Laurier) Noteworthy: Pick up a free recipe-of-the-week card. The large, open chalet-style kitchen is where you'll find the top cooking supplies for your culinary needs. It was designed by architect Luce Lafontaine with large, open cabinetry to make you feel at home. Classes are offered onsite three nights a week by local chefs. A walk around the corner will take you to Jamais Assez, where you'll find a large selection of locally made furniture and creative accessories. Le Boutique Artisanal Une Monde is a warehouse on a side street that carries a selection of Asian-inspired and restored furniture at affordable prices. If you want to scout for some more boho home accents, Buk&Nola will have what you're looking for. This shop is known for its casual chic decor. The owners offer a decorating service as well. More info: Les Touilleurs, Jamais Assez, Buk&Nola by Esther Hershcovich » L'Affichiste: Vintage poster gallery Location: 471 rue Saint François Xavier in Old Montreal (metro: Place D'armes) Noteworthy: The largest collection of original vintage posters in Montreal is housed in this gallery, attached by underground tunnels to the Notre Dame Basilica. A storage room is housed in a walk-in vault. If you're still looking for that perfect piece of art, take a walk down to La Rue des Artistes. It might be where you'll find that coup de coeur, French for "favorite find." Keep walking and you'll arrive at the large indoor Marché Bonsecours market, where local artisans sell everything from furniture to clothing and unique umbrellas. More info: L'Affichiste, Marché Bonsecours by Esther Hershcovich » Style Labo: Shop selling vintage and new items Location: 5765 St. Laurent Blvd in Plateau/Mile End (metro: Rosemont) Noteworthy: The antique lights collection If you're looking for a large collection of industrial-style vintage and new items, this is the place to visit. The store's decor transports you to a different time. If you're looking for a design experience, Les Commissaires doubles as a gallery and boutique, selling bold designer pieces from around the world. It is constantly restocked with a mix of innovative, sometimes provocative items attesting to the city's flair for the mix offered in its design. Monastiraki is another vintage shop; it also serves as a community art center. Search through its cabinets for vintage and locally made prints. More info: Style Labo, Les Commissaires, Monastiraki by Surface Jalouse » Surface Jalouse: Print shop Location: 2672 rue Notre-Dame West in Little Burgundy (metro: Lionel Groulx) Noteworthy: Surface Jalouse is able to print images (the shop's or your own) onto virtually any surface — including furniture. Part furniture store and part studio, this boutique offers funky and highly unique home decor items. While you're on Notre Dame street, head west to explore the strip of antiques stores and curiosity shops. More info: Surface Jalouse by Esther Gibbons » Hidden Gems Gibeau Orange Julep: Landmark and fast-food restaurant Location: 7700 Decarie Boulevard (metro: Namur) Noteworthy: On Wednesday nights during the summer, the lot fills with classic vintage cars and motorbike enthusiasts. Since the 1960s the Julep has been one of the city's most recognizable landmarks, with its distinct fiberglass orange shape and colored party flags hanging off the side. Roller skating waitresses originally brought food to the cars, but they have been replaced by a top fast-food service. The Gibeau Orange Julep (an orange drink), offered when the shop opened in 1932, is still what attracts most customers. More info: Gibeau Orange Julep Réne Lévesque Park: Sculpture park Location: 1 chemin de Musee, (metro: Angrignon) Noteworthy: Admire 22 monumental sculptures at this park, located off the Lachine Canal bike path and offering panoramic views of the Saint Lawrence and Saint Louis rivers. Enjoy a picnic with your family, rent a kayak or enjoy the open and green 4 kilometers of walking trails. More info: Parc René-Lévesque by Esther Hershcovich » Spazio: Antiques shop Location: 8405 boulevard St. Laurent (metro: Jarry) Noteworthy: Architectural detailing from various time periods can be easily found in this two-story shop that was once a well-known tavern. It's divided into neat sections, so you can discover a room filled with antique doors or sections for stained glass windows, vintage handles or knobs. The owner is continually expanding as the collection grows. More info: Spazio Tell us: What are your favorite places for soaking up design in Montreal?

THE NAVIGATOR Where to Eat and Drink in Montreal 11:00 AM / APRIL 23, 2013 / POSTED BY Bon Appetit 29 COMMENTS (0) What Broadway is to New York City, Boulevard Saint-Laurent (or, as locals refer to it, La Main) is to Montreal: the city's main artery and the ideal way to discover some of the best old- and new-school restaurants Picnic Spot Kentucky-born chef Colin Perry cooks his grandmother's Southern recipes, like pinto beans studded with smoked hog jowls and served with cornbread and green-tomato relish. And while Dinette Triple Crown has a few seats for eating inside, most patrons get their fried chicken thighs and meat 'n' threes packed in nifty picnic boxes and take them to the Little Italy park between La Main and Rue Clark. Fried chicken thighs and meat 'n' threes at Dinette Triple Crown British Accent Looking for crazy-high-quality ingredients prepared in a straightforward, un-gimmicky way? Look no further than Lawrence. While the food is ostensibly British-style nose-to-tail cooking (as in rabbit offal tart, lamb's heart with prunes and bacon, or marinated smelt with beets), chef Marc Cohen is of the Mediterranean-inspired school, which means there's an un-remitting emphasis on seasonality. The smart cocktail and wine list is curated by rising-star sommelier Etheliya Hananova, the pastries span such French standards as tarte Tatin and praline-filled éclairs, and the weekend brunch is deservedly the most popular in town. Style-Central The cozy-chic Hotel Herman is a brand-new dinner spot in Mile End. Featuring a U-shaped bar and open kitchen, the elegant space feels as though it belongs in a 1930s train station, a place where people are coming and going and everyone is happy to be there. With its focus on natural wines, pre-Prohibition cocktails, and small, shareable plates of precise, Scandinavian-influenced dishes (including Boileau deer with beets or homemade goat cheese with crosnes, a root vegetable), it's the ideal place for a late-night bite. Pre-Prohibition cocktail at Hotel Herman in Mile EndThe Institution Celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, the legendary Jewish steakhouse Moishes is as good as ever--if not better. The wood-paneled, chandeliered room is electrifying, the chopped liver appetizer is the tastiest version this side of the Borscht Belt, and the bone-in filet mignon will convert die-hard filet haters. (Those wanting a more traditionally marbled cut will like the charcoal-grilled rib eye.) For sides, get the boiled verenikas and the Monte Carlo potatoes, and maybe an order of grilled mushrooms if you're craving something umami. Insider tip: Their new late-night menu gets you an appetizer and an entrée for only $25 after 9 p.m. The kitchen at Moishes Hidden Gem It might be surrounded by discount electronics stores and punk bars, but Bouillon Bilk offers seriously refined cuisine. The room is stylish (think Nordic modernism) and the vibe laid-back and cool. Super-talented chef François Nadon specializes in high-wire flavor combinations like bone marrow with snails. It makes for a special night out before or after a concert at the nearby Quartier des Spectacles cultural center. Pop-Up Plus Montreal's red-light district isn't exactly where you'd expect to find the city's most exciting kitchen. Société des Arts Technologique's Labo Culinaire FoodLab serves rustic meals in a high-ceilinged space on the third floor of the glitzy new-media performance center. Creative duo Michelle Marek and Seth Gabrielse are deeply knowledgeable chef-bakers who simply make whatever they're passionate about at any given moment: One month they're serving Russian Easter classics or Chinatown favorites, another they're grilling souvlakis or doing an homage to Richard Olney's Provençal menus. Trust them. A dish at Labo Culinaire FoodLab Chinese Theater For a bare-bones basement noodle-shop experience--and one of the city's best cheap eats--you can't beat Nudo at lunch. The Chinatown fixture specializes in hand-pulled Lanzhou-style noodles, which you can watch being twirled while you wait for your food. (The loud thud of dough getting pounded around makes for a unique sound track.) Their braised beef shank noodle soup is profoundly satisfying. Don't miss the surprisingly good vegetable sides, especially at $1.25 each. Go ahead and splurge $5 on the top four: radish salad, spicy shredded potato, seaweed, and soybeans with potherb mustard. It's timeless, run down, and beat up in some places but stylish and spiffy in others. It's Boulevard Saint-Laurent--Montreal's main artery, known around these parts as La Main. Running all the way from the cobblestoned Old Port waterfront in the south of town up to the island's north shore, it divides Montreal into east and west, winding through established and emerging neighborhoods including Mile End, Chinatown, and Little Italy. A walk along it is a perfect way to get a sense of the city's heartbeat and to explore its booming restaurant scene, from classic joints to the most vibrant new places in town. And there are plenty of one-of-a-kind coffee spots and bakeries to sustain you on your journey. --Adam Leith Gollner Get Your Coffee Fix The three best cafés in a city famous for its café society are just steps away from La Main. Your expertly pulled espresso awaits: Café Sardine serves up superb third wave coffees using beans by Canadian roasters Phil & Sebastian. Bonus: The hot dogs at lunch are not to be missed. Barista Chrissy Durcak operates the mobile espresso truck Dispatch Coffee, which serves out of a garage on Avenue Van Horne in winter and roams the streets in summer. (Check dispatchcoffee.ca for locations.) For a traditional Italian café with deep conversations and stylish patrons, linger over lattes at the beloved Caffé San Simeon on Rue Dante. It's also a hit with many of the city's best chefs. No Pain, No Gain Like any self-respecting Francophone metropolis, Montreal takes its boulangeries seriously. The current leader of the pack is Joe La Croûte, near the Jean Talon market. (Its chestnut-flour bread and Kamut baguettes are winners.) Good loaves can also be found at Boulangerie Guillaume in the Mile End. Some of the best croissants in the city are made at Au Kouign-Amann, a short stroll from La Main down Avenue du Mont-Royal. Be sure to try a slice of its namesake pastry, a buttery Breton cake. Where to Stay Casa Bianca is an upscale B&B in an old home in the Plateau neighborhood overlooking Mont Royal Park. The Hotel 10, formerly The Opus, is perched on the corner of Saint-Laurent and Rue Sherbrooke, making it a good base for exploring La Main. (Credit: Photographs by Dominique Lafond, Illustrations by Claire McCracken) Adam Leith Gollner is the author of The Fruit Hunters and The Book of Immortality, to be released this summer. RELATED Montreal: For Lovers of Food Sugar-Shack Cuisine from Martin Picard Mile End Sandwiches: Beyond the Brisket More from The Navigator Read More http://www.bonappetit.com/blogsandforums/blogs/badaily/2013/04/montreal-boulevard-saint-laurent.html#ixzz2RQ3MznDh

Seconde vocation pour l'ancien Hôtel Grand Plaza à Montréal 14 mars 2013 Par Michel De Smet En juillet prochain, une nouvelle Résidence Soleil ouvrira ses portes aux aînés au coin des rues Berri et Sherbooke. Il s'agit d'un projet immobilier très singulier puisque, pour la première fois à Montréal, un hôtel de grande envergure va être converti en logements pour personnes âgées. « Nous sommes en train de transformer l'ancien hôtel Grand Plaza en appartements de 1 ½ à 4 ½ pièces. Il sera rebaptisé Manoir Plaza. Au total, il devrait compter 420 logements environ. Nous disposons pour cela d'une surface aménageable de 330 000 pieds carrés répartie sur 25 étages », souligne Eddy Savoie, fondateur et président du conseil d'administration du Groupe Savoie, propriétaire des Résidences Soleil. Pas moins de 30 000 pieds carrés seront réservés à des espaces communs. On y trouvera notamment un minigolf intérieur, deux allées de quilles, un vaste atrium, un spa, une salle de cinéma et une vaste salle à manger au dernier étage avec vue panoramique sur Montréal. À noter que l'édifice aura un accès direct à la station de métro, une première en Amérique du Nord pour une résidence de personnes âgées. Le Groupe Savoie, une entreprise familiale qui agit également à titre d'entrepreneur général, prévoit investir entre 45 et 50 millions $ dans le projet. Ce montant inclut 27 millions $ versés à la société néerlandaise Kincardine B.V. pour l'acquisition de l'hôtel qui fut fermé en octobre 2010. La conversion : nouveau défi pour Groupe Savoie « C'est un défi particulier de ne pas construire à neuf comme nous le faisons d'habitude pour nos résidences. Mais je dirais que dans le cas du Grand Plaza, ce fut plutôt un avantage. Par exemple, globalement, nous allons conserver les pièces dans leur état actuel sans devoir procéder à d'importants travaux de décloisonnement », indique Eddy Junior Savoie, président exécutif, construction, Groupe Savoie. De surcroît, la grande salle de bal de l'ancien hôtel va servir à l'aménagement d'un atrium grâce à un volume intéressant créé par une hauteur libre de 18 pieds. De plus, le bâtiment, construit en 1974, se présentait en très bon état lors de l'acquisition. Par conséquent, le Groupe Savoie n'a pas eu à embaucher une firme d'ingénierie de structure. Il a cependant fait appel à l'architecte Christian Langlois pour parfaire le concept architectural. Actuellement, environ le tiers des travaux de restructuration du bâtiment entrepris à la fin de l'automne 2012 est terminé. « Nous avons embauché la firme GRV Experts-Conseils pour mener à bien les travaux de génie mécanique et électrique. La mise aux normes de nos six ascenseurs et des systèmes de sécurité va débuter sous peu. Progressivement, nous procédons aux travaux de décloisonnement nécessaire à l'aménagement de nos appartements les plus grands. De plus, durant les trois mois à venir, nous allons refaire le dallage du stationnement souterrain de l'édifice », ajoute Eddy Junior Savoie. Le Manoir Brossard À l'automne 2011, le Groupe Savoie a également entrepris la construction d'une autre Résidence Soleil à Brossard, sur le boulevard St-Laurent, à proximité immédiate du fleuve. « On prévoit accueillir nos premiers résidents en juin prochain. L'immeuble comportera 17 étages et 480 logements. Les commodités ainsi que les divisions des logements sont très semblables à celles du Manoir Plaza », fait remarquer Eddy Savoie. Environ 90 millions $ seront investis dans ce projet qui comportera une seconde phase évaluée à 75 millions $. L'échéancier des travaux pour cette dernière n'a pas encore été déterminé, mais une fois totalement achevé, le Manoir Brossard devrait compter un millier de logements. Actuellement, 85 % des travaux de la phase 1 ont été complétés. Il reste à achever certains détails de maçonnerie et de finition ainsi que la peinture intérieure. L'aménagement paysager sera réalisé l'été prochain. Avec l'ajout de ces deux nouveaux projets, le Groupe Savoie comptera désormais 14 résidences au Québec. [url=]http://www.portailconstructo.com/actualites/seconde_vocation_pour_lancien_hotel_grand_plaza_montreal[/url] J'entend déjà les commentaires que certains d'entre vous vont se faire dans leur tête en lisant cette info.

Nom: Hilton Hampton Inn & Suites – Montreal Hauteur en étages: 12 ou 13 étages Hauteur en mètres: Coût du projet: Promoteur: Quintcap Architecte: Entrepreneur général: Emplacement: sur le côté ouest de la rue Drummond, entre le boulevard René-Lévesque et la rue Sainte-Catherine Début de construction: Fin de construction: Site internet: Lien webcam: Autres informations: Le projet aura une bannière Hilton Hampton Inn & Suites, le projet prévoit la reconstruction d'une façade patrimonial http://ville.montreal.qc.ca/documents/Adi_Public/CA_Vma/CA_Vma_ODJ_ORDI_2013-02-12_19h00_FR.pdf Rumeurs: Aperçu artistique du projet: Rendu de 2013: Maquette: Autres images: Vidéo promotionnelle:

Nom: Hôtel William Gray Hauteur en étages: 7 Hauteur en mètres: Coût du projet: 25 000 000,00$ Promoteur: Groupe Antonopoulos Architecte: Béïque, Legault, Thuot Architectes Entrepreneur général: Emplacement: Vieux-Montréal Début de construction: 2012 Fin de construction: 2015 Site internet: Lien webcam: Autres informations: * 3 étages de stationnement au sous-sol * Hôtel indépendant de 130 chambres Rumeurs: Aperçu artistique du projet: Maquette: Autres images: Vidéo promotionnelle:

MONTREAL - A downtown Montreal hotel boasting an art collection featuring the likes of Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and Marc Chagall has topped Expedia's annual list of the best Canadian hotels. LHotel, located on Rue Saint-Jacques near the Palais des congress, scored highest in 2011 in Expedia customer reviews, says the online travel agency. The hotel, which opened in 2001, occupies an 1870 building that first served as the head office of the Montreal City and District Savings Bank. Artworks are displayed in public areas and guest rooms of the property. Other top-rated Canadian hotels on the Expedia.ca list: Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre, Whistler-Blackcomb, B.C.; Four Seasons Vancouver; Prince George Hotel, Halifax; and Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier, North Vancouver, B.C. The No. 1 hotel in the world, according to Expedia, was Marrol's Boutique Hotel in Bratislava, Slovakia. In the world ranking, LHotel placed 59th. The global list identifies the top hotels available on Expedia based on quality and value scores. http://travel.ca.msn.com/montreal-hotel-tops-expedia-list-in-canada