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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.

Un hôtel Jaro dans le Vieux-Montréal 14 septembre 2007 - 08h27 LaPresseAffaires.com Grossir caractèreImprimerEnvoyer La chaîne hôtelière Jaro prend pied dans le Vieux-Montréal, arrêtant son choix sur un ancien stationnement situé à l'angle des rues Notre-Dame et St-François Xavier. C'est du moins ce que rapporte The Gazette dans son édition de vendredi. La compagnie de Sainte-Foy, fondée par Jacques Robitaille, a confirmé au quotidien son intention de bâtir un hôtel de 300 chambres sur 10 étages. Toutefois, une demande de permis de développement n'aurait pas encore été faite auprès de la ville de Montréal alors que le terrain devait devenir le site d'un édifice à condos. À l'heure actuelle, Jaro compte six hôtels pour plus de 1000 chambres dans la région de Québec et elle planifierait d'ouvrir un autre établissement dans le Vieux-Québec. Récemment, un autre acteur a annoncé son intention de s'installer dans le Vieux-Montréal en transformant une ancienne succursale de la Banque Royale, sur la rue St-Jacques, en un hôtel de 130 chambres.

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.

* J'en ferai la traduction bientôt! I've decided to take a lot of urban pictures this summer but instead of posting random pics, I thought it would be more interesting to present these pictures through an historical and architectural perspective. To be more coherent (and since it's a lot of work!!), I've decided to do it one street at a time. I thought it would be a great way to learn more about Canadian cities... I hope those interested in history as well as architecture will find this thread interesting!!! So, here is a great example: the St-Pierre street in Quebec City. As you can see on the following map, the surface area of the Old Port was very small in 1650 and the North part of St-Pierre Street was under water whereas the south part of the street was accessible. This situation has had a very interesting impact on the aspect of the street from South to North. http://www.mcq.org/place-royale/lieux.php?id=41#2 This is the beginning of the northern, more recent part of the street. The wave pattern on the ground symbolizes the fact that the St-Lawrence river used to reach this part of town. Place de la FAO par davidivivid, sur Flickr The street isn't very long, about 600 meters, yet it's influence on the City and the Province was very important. http://www.mcq.org/place-royale/en/lieux.php?id=38 Rue St-Pierre par davidivivid, sur Flickr Canadian Bank of Commerce, built in 1900. Also housed the American consulate in 1927. The fountain-sculpture in the form of the bow of a ship commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), founded in Québec City in 1945. Bank of Commerce par davidivivid, sur Flickr Headquarters of the Dominion Fish & Fruit company built in 1912. It was the first real highrise in Quebec City. Dominion Building par davidivivid, sur Flickr This building, built in 1902, first housed the Quebec Stock Exchange. It later became a branch of the Hochelaga Bank (which later fusionned with the National Bank). Hochelaga Bank par davidivivid, sur Flickr The last two buildings have now merged to become the hotel Le Germain-Dominion. This is the flagship boutique hotel of the Germain hotel chain, which is becoming an household name in Canada. This particular hotel is often named "Best Hotel in Canada". Hôtel Le Germain-Dominion par davidivivid, sur Flickr Bank of British North America, now the office of a cruise ship company. Bank of British North America par davidivivid, sur Flickr Imperial Bank of Canada - opened in 1875. Imperial Bank of Canada par davidivivid, sur Flickr Imperial Bank of Canada par davidivivid, sur Flickr First branch of the Bank of Montreal besides its headquarters in Montreal - 1818 Bank of Montreal par davidivivid, sur Flickr This branch of the Bank of Montreal soon proved to be too small so a bigger building was built on the other side of the road. Bank of Montreal par davidivivid, sur Flickr Bank of Montreal par davidivivid, sur Flickr Headquarters of the Quebec Bank, founded in 1818 - second oldest chartered bank in Canada after the bank of Montreal. Moved to this location in 1862 and fusionned with the Royal Bank of Canada in 1917. Quebec Bank par davidivivid, sur Flickr The building is now a part of the Quebec Civilization Museum. I love how some of the stones of the first floor were carved. It gives great texture to the facade. Quebec Bank par davidivivid, sur Flickr Maison Estèbe http://www.mcq.org/place-royale/en/lieux.php?id=38#39 Maison Estèbe par davidivivid, sur Flickr The Estèbe House is now a part of Quebec's Civilization Museum (with its signature glass tower), designed by Moshe Safdie. Maison Estèbe - Musée de la Civilisation par davidivivid, sur Flickr Molson's Bank - now a cooking school! IMG_0679 par davidivivid, sur Flickr Telegraph Building built in 1856 by architects Staveley & Dunlevie. Quebec had been linked to Montreal by telegraph since 1847. The coat of arms above the entrance is that of the Great North Western Telegraph Company, which had its headquarters here for some time. Telegraph Building par davidivivid, sur Flickr Headquarters of the Quebec Assurance Company, the first insurance company in Canada. Building built in 1821 and now the Auberge St-Pierre, an hotel. http://memoireduquebec.com/wiki/index.php?title=Qu%C3%A9bec_(municipalit%C3%A9_de_ville)._%C3%89difices_publics Quebec Insurance Building par davidivivid, sur Flickr Compagnie d'Assurances de Québec par davidivivid, sur Flickr Ancient headquarters of the National Bank of Canada, founded in Quebec City in 1859. The bank moved to this building in 1862. The National Bank fusionned with the Hochelaga Bank in 1924 and its headquarter was moved to Montreal. It is now a popular 4 stars boutique hotel: Le 71. Hôtel Le 71 par davidivivid, sur Flickr It is one of my favourite building in Quebec City. I love how sleek it is, especially considering it was built 150 years ago. Hôtel Le 71 par davidivivid, sur Flickr Ancient headquarters of the Union Bank of Canada (founded in Quebec City), built in 1865. Merged with the Royal Bank of Canada in 1925. It is now the Institut de l'Energie et de l'Environnement de la Francophonie. Institut de l'Energie et de l'Environnement de la Francophonie par davidivivid, sur Flickr Merchants Bank of Canada - 1868. Fusionned with the Bank of Montreal in 1922. IMG_0707 par davidivivid, sur Flickr Banque du Peuple - 1880. Went bankrupt in 1895. Rue St-Pierre par davidivivid, sur Flickr South side of St-Pierre street. Buildings in this area are on average 100 years older than on the North side of the street. http://www.mcq.org/place-royale/lieux.php?id=38#3 General store of Joseph Drapeau, built in 1782. On this site used to stand the first general store in North America (built in 1659 by the Gagnon brothers). Magasin Général Joseph Drapeau - 1782 par davidivivid, sur Flickr Park of the UNESCO, commemorating Quebec City's status as a World Heritage site. Parc de l'UNESCO par davidivivid, sur Flickr Parc de l'UNESCO par davidivivid, sur Flickr IMG_0726 par davidivivid, sur Flickr Rue St-Pierre Sud par davidivivid, sur Flickr Finally, the end of the South side of the St-Pierre street. You can see the name of the street on the bottom right of the picture. Rue St-Pierre par davidivivid, sur Flickr Here is part of the street around 1899, just a few years after the electric tramways were installed. However, because of its importance, public transport was accessible through this street as soon as 1865. http://tolkien2008.wordpress.com/2010/04/17/photographies-de-quebec-1886-1910-par-frederick-c-wurtele/ Allright, that's it. Hope you liked the ride! Santé

Prix MtlURB 2012 : Rénovation 2011 *** 1 – Le Port-Royal http://www.mtlurb.com/forums/showthread.php/18277 2 – Carrefour INGO 1 http://mtlurb.com/forums/showthread.php/14210 3 – Édifice Robillard http://www.mtlurb.com/forums/showthread.php/2027 4 – Musée Stewart http://www.mtlurb.com/forums/showthread.php/8179 5 – Coopérative d’habitation Radar http://www.mtlurb.com/forums/showthread.php/16627 6 – McGill Strathcona Music Building http://www.mtlurb.com/forums/showthread.php/20356 7 – Mail Champlain http://www.mtlurb.com/forums/showthread.php/14047 8 – Hôtel de Ville de Montréal http://mtlurb.com/forums/showthread.php/3279 9 – Zero 1 http://www.mtlurb.com/forums/showthread.php/16720

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Proposition - Projet n'ayant pas eu l'approbation de la ville Approuvé - Projet approuvé et prêt pour la construction En construction - Projet ayant franchi le stade du site prep Complété - Projet terminé dans les 12 derniers mois =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= #01. L'Avenue.................. Centre-ville - 175m - 50 étages - Résidentiel, commercial, hôtel #02. Icône - phase 1........... Centre-ville - 152m - 41 étages - Résidentiel, commercial #03. Tour des Canadiens........ Centre-ville - 140m - 48 étages - Résidentiel, commercial #04. Marriott Courtyard........ Centre-ville - 136m - 40 étages - Résidentiel, hôtel #05. Tour FTQ-Canderel......... Centre-ville - 135m - 30 étages - Commercial, bureau #06. Tour Deloitte ............ Centre-ville - 133m - 27 étages - Bureau #07. Altoria .................. Centre-ville - 130m - 33 étages - Résidentiel, commercial, bureau #08. Icône - phase 2........... Centre-ville - 126m - 34 étages - Résidentiel, commercial, bureau #09. Altitude ................. Centre-ville - 124m - 33 étages - Résidentiel #10. TOM Condos ............... Centre-ville - 120m - 40 étages - Résidentiel, commercial #11. Îlot Overdale - ph.1 ..... Centre-ville - 120m - 40 étages - Résidentiel, commercial #12. Le Roccabella ............ Centre-ville - 120m - 37 étages - Résidentiel, commercial #13. Waldorf Astoria .......... Centre-ville - 120m - 35 étages - Résidentiel, hôtel #14. Le Peterson .............. Centre-ville - 113m - 31 étages - Résidentiel #15. Évolo .................... Verdun...... - 104m - 31 étages - Résidentiel #16. Place University ......... Centre-ville - 102m - 25 étages - Résidentiel, commercial, bureau #17. Évolo 2 .................. Verdun...... - 100m - 30 étages - Résidentiel #18. Symphonia - ph.2 ......... Verdun...... - .98m - 31 étages - Résidentiel #19. Symphonia - ph.1 ......... Verdun...... - .84m - 26 étages - Résidentiel #20. CHUM ..................... Centre-ville - .80m - 20 étages - Hôpital #21. Drummond Condos .......... Centre-ville - .75m - 23 étages - Résidentiel, commercial #22. Cité Internationale 2 .... Centre-ville - .72m - 16 étages - Bureau #23. Le Triomphe .............. Centre-ville - .71m - 21 étages - Résidentiel, commercial #24. District Griffin - ph.1 .. Griffintown. - .70m - 20 étages - Résidentiel, commercial, bureau, hôtel #25. Maison Ogilvy ............ Centre-ville - .65m - 17 étages - Résidentiel, commercial, hôtel #26. M9 - Phase 4 ............. Griffintown. - .62m - 20 étages - Résidentiel #27. Le Séville ............... Centre-ville - .60m - 21 étages - Résidentiel, commercial #28. Le Griffix ............... Griffintown. - .60m - 20 étages - Résidentiel #29. Les Bassins du Havre ..... Griffintown. - .60m - 20 étages - Résidentiel #30. District Griffin - ph.3 .. Griffintown. - .60m - 20 étages - Résidentiel, commercial #31. Lowney sur Ville ......... Griffintown. - .60m - 20 étages - Résidentiel Dernière mise à jour : 13 aout 2012 par Cataclaw

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

Montreal hotel tops Expedia list in Canada based on customer reviews. MONTREAL - A Old Montreal hotel boasting an art collection featuring works by Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and Marc Chagall has topped Expedia's annual list of the best Canadian hotels. LHotel, on St. Jacques St. near the Palais des congrès, scored highest in 2011 in Expedia customer reviews, the online travel agency says. 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://www.montrealgazette.com/travel/Montreal+hotel+tops+Expedia+list+Canada+based+customer/6887262/story.html

Read more: http://www.nationalpost.com/related/topics/story.html?id=2457341#ixzz0e7omWfCN

Je trouve ça assez épatant !! The project by the young architectural studio Urbanplunger has been recently awarded the third prize in the Night Club Hotel in Hong Kong international competition. The main idea is to create a suspended building structure to comply with the extremely compact planning in Hong Kong. The whole structure is elevated above the ground by leaning on the nearby buildings. The nature of the design allows for a green square underneath the building and increases the area of the existing recreation zone. [...] Source : www.arthitectural.com/

Ça pourrait nous donner une leçon, pour certains de nos chantiers...

Voici une visite de cet hôtel: http://medias.tva.ca/emissions/salutbonjourwe/stylelibre/18718.wmv Cliquez avec le bouton droit et faites "save as..."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tour_de_la_Bourse Somebody used to have a rendering with the 3 towers on SSP, but I can't find it anymore...

Même si notre hôtel de ville actuel est très beau, l'ancien était splendide. Construction on the building began in 1872 and was completed in 1878. The building was gutted by fire in March 1922, leaving only the outer wall and destroying much of the city's historic records. Source : http://www2.ville.montreal.qc.ca/archives/democratie/democratie_en/expo/reformistes-populistes/construction/piece1/index.shtm Source et texte entier : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montreal_City_Hall Après l'incendie : http://www2.ville.montreal.qc.ca/archives/democratie/democratie_en/expo/reformistes-populistes/construction/piece12/index.shtm

Je pense qu'une partie de Westmount a le potentiel pour être un des quartiers plus visités sur l'île par les Montréalais et les touristes. Pour les Montréalais, ils ont pu découvrir un quartier amusante et pittoresque de l'île.Les touristes seraient surpris de la vue nord vers les grosses mansion for la montagne et aussi ils seraient surpris de trouver une telle quartier anglais dans ce qui est connu à travers le monde comme une ville française. La partie dont je parle est de l'avenue Greene, entre Sainte-Catherine et le rue Sherbrooke Street, et de Maisonnneuve et Sainte-Catherine entre l'avenue Greene et Atwater. Cette partie de Westmount est une partie très sûr de la ville; station de métro Atwater quelques minutes de marche; Bureaux et des résidences sur l'ilot avec Westmount Square. Le quartier a le potentiel pour être un de haut de gamme (manger / party / relaxer) et également un pôle touristique. Rue Sainte-Catherine à partir de l'avenue Greene à Atwater: Côté sud- Discothèques, bars et restaurants. Côté Nord - Place Alexis Nihon (existant), un Westmount Square plus "hip et jeunes." Certaines niveaudu Westmount Square pourrait être transformé en hôtel de luxe. (««Quand, à Montréal, rester à l' Hôtel Westmount-Centre-Ville, dans un edifice conçus un des grands nom de l'historie de l'architecture, Mies van der Rohe! ") Avenue Greene de Ste. Catherine à la rue Sherbrooke: Avenue Greene devrait avoir un site web. Boulevard Saint-Laurent en a un, Plaza St. Hubert, Mont-Royal, Sainte-Catherine et Saint-Denis ont des sites Web. Avenue Greene devrait en avoir un aussi. Actuellement les magasins sur l'avenue Greene semblent répondre à une clientèle plus âgée, mais il devrait également avoir quelques magasins pour les jeunes. Pas trop de grands noms, parce que nous voulons que l'avenue reste un peux unique, mais au moins deux magasins de grands noms (comme Forever 21, H & M, etc.). de Maisonneuve à partir de l'avenue Greene à l'avenue Wood: L'entrée d'un hôtel de luxe de 5 étoiles pourrait être juste là à l'entrée résidentiel de Westmount Square. ***** Cette partie de Westmount pourrait vraiment être amélioré au point où il devient un extension du centre-ville de Montréal, qui n'est pas trop loin. I'd like to see this happen! It is good to see a condo being built at the corner of Greene Avenue and de Maisonneuve. Why only have a one storey retail building, when you have increase the density and have retail at grade. Hopefully more development like that happens on Greene Avenue. Greene has a lot of potential to be more than a hub for Westmounters looking to use the BMO, Jean Coutu and the Canada Post, but a hub for many Montrealers and for tourists. It could be the Montreal version of Yorkville in Toronto, Boylston Street in Boston.

J'espère qu'il n'y avait pas déjà un sujet sur ces rénovations... Il semble que l'hôtel Hyatt soit en train d'effectuer des rénovations. Pas grand chose à voir pour le moment: Par contre, la palissade affiche un slogan intéressant:

(Courtesy of The Associate Press via. The Washington Post) 2009 rendering. Holy hell.

Projet annulé Ce projet fut finalement remplacé par un projet de condo, le "BanK" : http://www.mtlurb.com/forums/showthread.php/19252 ************************************ Le Royal Hotel Architecte : Panzini

(Courtesy of Chrisd.ca) More info also at this link: http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/north-portage-gets-makeover-124695919.html Congrats to ALT expanding into another city

Relance du Mont Orford: un hôtel et des lofts verts Publié le 09 mai 2011 à 05h00 | Mis à jour le 09 mai 2011 à 08h59 * Hélène Baril La Presse (Montréal) Des lofts aux murs de verre, complètement autonomes en énergie, équipés de lits et de baignoires sur rails qui peuvent sortir dehors par beau temps. De drôles d'habitations apparaîtront au pied du mont Orford. «Et il y aura des vélos qui produiront de l'électricité pour avoir accès à l'internet», ajoute Alain Chagnon, président du Vertendre, entreprise immobilière qui participe à une autre tentative de relance du mont Orford. Le Vertendre et Gestion Soroma, la société qui gère le centre de ski et le club de golf au nom du gouvernement québécois, sont devenus récemment propriétaires de 20% de ces deux actifs. L'autre actionnaire est la MRC de Memphrémagog, qui a acquis pour 1$ une part de 80% de la nouvelle société d'économie mixte créée pour tenter de donner un nouveau souffle à cette station touristique qui a connu plus que sa part de déboires depuis sa création, il y a 70 ans. C'est une occasion qu'attend depuis très longtemps Alain Chagnon, dont la famille a déjà réalisé plusieurs projets immobiliers dans la région immédiate du mont Orford. Depuis 2004, les Chagnon ont réuni 1000 acres de terrains au pied de la montagne, un secteur qu'ils ont commencé à aménager sous le nom de Vertendre. En s'associant avec la MRC de Memphrémagog, ils ont obtenu ce qui leur manquait pour continuer ce lotissement: un lien qui reliera leur secteur au domaine skiable, sur le versant ouest de la montagne. Ce lien fera débloquer des investissements d'une dizaine de millions de dollars dans de nouvelles activités de plein air, mais surtout dans l'immobilier, a fait savoir M. Chagnon lors d'un entretien avec La Presse Affaires. «On pense à 900 unités d'habitation au total», dit Alain Chagnon. En plus des 200 lofts accrochés à la montagne, il y aura des maisons individuelles et un hôtel de 200 chambres, le tout construit dans le respect de la nature et de l'environnement. Cet hôtel pourrait être géré par le Club Med. «Le Club Med a toujours un intérêt dans le projet», affirme le promoteur. L'autre intéressé par le projet d'hôtel est l'artiste Heinz Julen, qui a conçu l'hôtel Backstage de Zermatt, en Suisse. L'hôtelier qui s'associera au Vertendre ne misera ni sur les bars ni sur les discothèques pour attirer des clients, assure Alain Chagnon. «Plutôt sur les cerfs et les porcs-épics», dit-il. Qui paiera? La MRC de Memphrémagog a retenu une seule des trois propositions qui lui ont été faites pour relancer le mont Orford, celles du Vertendre et de Gestion Soroma. Les deux autres groupes intéressés ont été disqualifiés parce qu'ils n'ont pas réussi à réunir 1,5 million en garantie. Les deux offres rejetées sont celles de la Coopérative de solidarité du Mont-Orford, regroupement local, et de Camp Fortune, entreprise qui exploite une station de plein air dans l'Outaouais. Contre leur 1,5 million, Vertendre et Gestion Soroma ont obtenu 20% d'une entreprise dont les actifs sont estimés à 7,5 millions et dont la MRC est l'actionnaire majoritaire. C'est donc à la MRC que revient la responsabilité de préserver l'intégrité du territoire du parc national du Mont-Orford. Il n'y aura ni constructions, ni nouvelles pistes de ski, ni rien d'autre sur le territoire du parc, qui est protégé, affirme Guy Joron, directeur général de MRC. Rien, à part les «quelques pylônes» nécessaires au lien vers le Vertendre, précise-t-il. Le coût des projets d'aménagement de la station touristique sera assumé par la société d'économie mixte qui, en tant que propriétaire d'actifs estimés à 7,5 millions et sans aucune dette, pourra emprunter les fonds nécessaires. Alain Chagnon ajoute que la société pourra profiter des programmes gouvernementaux d'aide à l'investissement. Il ne prévoit pas de conflit entre les intérêts collectifs de la MRC et les intérêts privés du Vertendre et de Gestion Soroma. «Si on y trouve notre compte, tout le monde y trouvera son compte», espère-t-il. Parce qu'il vit et travaille dans la région et que ses enfants vont à l'école du coin, Alain Chagnon se dit prêt à prendre plus de risques qu'un promoteur de l'extérieur. «Si on perd de l'argent pendant deux ans, je ne vais pas m'en aller ailleurs», assure-t-il. Après la faillite et les disputes, les projets de vente et de privatisation qui n'ont pas abouti, le gouvernement du Québec a finalement réussi à se débarrasser du problème du mont Orford. Une ère nouvelle commencera le 1er juin, date à laquelle la société d'économie mixte commencera officiellement ses activités.

I wish I was able to take pictures of the Alexander McQueen exhibit at the MET, but security was like rabid pit bulls The second day I was there, I ended up walking the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges. From there did downtown, filmed Obama motorcade walked on the West side along the Hudson back to my hotel in Time Square (zigzagging down different streets). After that walked from the hotel all the way along the Hudson River up to 96th, to 110th (Oh yah, around this time some women had her wallet stolen, luckily 20 guys from that neighbourhood ended up chasing the kid down.). Walked through the park back to the MET, which is at like 82nd. From there went back to the hotel which was at 47th. Since all that walking, my knees are screwed up One thing, this trip to NY was a disaster but it was still fun.