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http://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/sid-lee-chooses-place-ville-marie-657986103.html Sid Lee chooses Place Ville Marie MONTREAL, Nov. 16, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - Ivanhoé Cambridge and Sid Lee are very pleased to announce a long-term agreement for Sid Lee's move into 1 Place Ville Marie in Montreal. Starting in early 2019, Sid Lee's 350 employees will occupy specially transformed spaces in a campus covering a total area of about 5,666 m2 (61,000 ft2). Designed and imagined by Sid Lee Architecture, in collaboration with Ivanhoé Cambridge, the Sid Lee campus will comprise office spaces specifically created to meet the unique needs of the agency's multidisciplinary creative teams. In addition to highly collaborative and flexible workspaces, the campus will feature a brand-new multifunctional area and a distinctive bistro for its employees. The spaces will be distributed throughout the banking halls located in the lobby and on the mezzanine levels overlooking the Place Ville Marie Esplanade. "We are very pleased with the arrival of Sid Lee, which marks a turning point for Place Ville Marie," said Bernard Poliquin, Senior Vice President, Office, Quebec, at Ivanhoé Cambridge. "Place Ville Marie is central to our ongoing transformation of downtown. We are now fully engaged in our 'Projet Nouveau-Centre,' which is Ivanhoé Cambridge's plan to invest $1 billion in the downtown core by 2020." Martin Gauthier, President, Sid Lee Montreal and Head of Global Operations, Sid Lee, said: "By moving into Place Ville Marie, we hope to design the world's best collaborative environment. Our employees will not only participate in Place Ville Marie's future but they will be more connected than ever to downtown and its urban transportation systems, and right next to all of its services and events."

http://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/sk-telecom-hyundai-motor-company-hanwha--element-ai-create-45m-usd-global-ai-fund-657843853.html SK Telecom, Hyundai Motor Company, Hanwha & Element AI Create $45M USD Global AI Fund SEOUL, South Korea and MONTREAL, Nov. 15, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - Element AI, an artificial intelligence company that delivers groundbreaking AI solutions, today announced it has established a joint $45M fund with Korean conglomerates SK Telecom, Hyundai Motor Company, Hanwha. The new fund leverages each partner's unique value and targets the most promising sectors of commercial AI applications and infrastructure, specifically emerging AI-based technologies including autonomous vehicles, household robots, manufacturing, drones, and hardware. The $45M fund will be actively managed by the three Korean companies with investment advisory by Element AI. Capital will be deployed to leading AI companies over the next 36 months. The fund is designed to use Element AI's extensive domain knowledge, cutting edge research and proprietary pipeline to source, assess, and invest in startups focused on applying AI in advanced technologies. SK Telecom, Hyundai Motor Company and Hanwha's data and deep industry expertise combined with Element AI's artificial intelligence knowledge will both differentiate the fund in the market and add immense value to portfolio companies. "Infusing large companies with artificial intelligence capabilities is the future of global industrialization," said Element AI CEO Jean-François Gagné. "Our position in the marketplace gives us extraordinary access to the most cutting-edge technologies being developed today -- all we need are partners and capital commitment to seed the future and that's what we're achieving today with this announcement. SK Telecom, Hyundai, and Hanwha share our passion for investment and building the future; I'm excited we can now work together to create a new global, industrial reality that will serve our local communities well." "SK Telecom is striving to create a 'New ICT industrial ecosystem' that shares various technologies, services and infrastructures such as AI and autonomous driving to create new value," said Ryu Young-Sang, Executive Vice President and Head of Strategy and Planning Division at SK Telecom. "SK Telecom is leading the Korean AI industry by launching NUGU, the first AI speaker service in Korea, and by introducing the world's first 5G Connected Car. Last month, we launched the 'Around Alliance', an alliance of industry-academia and collegiate autonomous vehicles, to secure autonomous driving technology. We hope that the joint investment from different fields will lead to the growth engine of New ICT." "No single company holds the key to the future and this why Hyundai Motor is pursuing such an alliance under the 'open innovation' philosophy,'' said Dr. Youngcho Chi, the Chief Innovation Officer and the Head of Strategy & Technology Division of Hyundai Motor. "We are pleased to join this great collaboration project with passionate partners who know their space. We look forward to contributing to the building of an ecosystem for the promising startups within the AI and autonomous driving industry," added Dr. Chi. Hanwha Asset Management is a comprehensive asset manager with US$ 82bn in AUM in Hanwha Group. Through this partnership, Hanwha will look to create synergies for its portfolio companies, increase the firm's footprint among global start-ups, and strengthen the firm's internal capabilities in assessing innovative technologies and originating new investments. Moreover, this partnership will allow Hanwha Asset Management to closely evaluate the latest Fintech innovations, and grow as a leading asset manager in Asia.

http://www.lelezard.com/communique-15309512.html Avis aux médias - Lancement des ventes de la Phase 2 du projet immobilier Laurent & Clark - Le luxe de vivre Montréal MONTRÉAL, le 15 nov. 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - Rachel Julien invite les représentants des médias au lancement VIP de la phase 2 du projet en compagnie des développeurs, designers et architectes qui ont participé à la conception du projet résidentiel Laurent & Clark | Phase 2, le mercredi 22 novembre dès 17h00. Suivant la réponse exceptionnelle que la phase 1 du projet a reçue, Rachel Julien lancera officiellement les ventes de la phase 2 du projet immobilier Laurent & Clark. Situé au coeur du Quartier des spectacles, ce prestigieux projet comprendra 175 unités offrant une vue inégalée sur la ville. Des condos d'une chambre à coucher de 507 pieds carrés aux penthouses de plus de 2000 pieds carrés, la phase 2 du Laurent & Clark offrira une multitude de possibilités pour répondre aux besoins de tous et pour toutes les bourses. Une vue inégalée sur la ville Avec ses logements traversants, introuvables ailleurs à Montréal, la phase 1 du Laurent & Clark offre une vue sur deux horizons, à l'est comme à l'ouest. Côté cour, les résidents pourront contempler le jardin privé donnant sur le spa et les espaces de détente. Côté ville, le projet offrira une vue imprenable sur le Mont Royal ainsi que le centre-ville. La phase 2 quant à elle se présentera sous la forme d'une tour de verre architecturale, offrant ainsi une vue inégalée sur la ville. Des services qui se démarquent Le projet hébergera des espaces communs bien pensés - le plus grand spa urbain privé de la ville, un lounge incitant au loisir, un gym offrant une expérience d'entraînement distinctive avec ses équipements haut de gamme en bois, sans oublier la terrasse située au 4e étage où les copropriétaires seront aux premières loges de tous les spectacles et festivals du Quartier des spectacles. Un milieu de vie luxueux aux lignes contemporaines Les lignes droites et pures sont au coeur du design des différentes unités. Une touche de folie se retrouve également dans le concept en jouant sur le jour et la nuit, le blanc et le noir, le tout avec des éléments de décoration rétro ou surdimensionnés. L'amalgame de ces choix forme un complexe unique et attrayant constitué de matériaux de grande qualité. QUOI : Lancement de la phase 2 du Laurent & Clark QUAND : Mercredi 22 novembre dès 17h00 OÙ : 1, De Maisonneuve Ouest, Montréal

Square Children's: ESTWEST sells 95% of condos in phase 1, the "EST" tower, in just a few weeks http://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/square-childrens-estwest-sells-95-of-condos-in-phase-1-the-est-tower-in-just-a-few-weeks-657416993.html Sales begin for units in the second phase, the "WEST" tower MONTRÉAL, Nov. 14, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - As a result of strong buyer demand for the "EST" tower, the first phase of the ESTWESTcondominium project located in the heart of the Square Children's development, Devimco Immobilier announces that more than 300 units in the second phase will go on sale. Having sold more than 95% of the condos in the "EST" tower of the ESTWEST project in just a few weeks, the developer has decided to move up the sale of the second phase, the "WEST" tower. "Almost all of the 307 units in the first phase have been sold and construction has not even started yet," said Serge Goulet, President of Devimco Immobilier. "This demonstrates the appropriateness of our choice for revitalizing the site of the former Children's Hospital and creating more housing in downtown Montreal." The Square Children's project will not only revitalize the historic site but also bring new vitality to the entire neighbourhood. The site will ultimately include nearly 1,400 residential units. Devimco Immobilier has partnered with the Fonds de solidarité FTQ and Fiera Capital Corporation to complete this $400-million project. Located in the Shaughnessy Village area, ESTWEST reflects the meeting of two worlds. The first building, located to the east, will recall elements specific to the Orient through its architecture and design, while the second, to the west, focuses on the theme of the West and will be inspired by California. The project is part of an urban renewal initiative for a site of great historical value. "We are creating a prestigious place that blends in perfectly with the neighbourhood, while adding value for its citizens. In addition, large institutional gardens, communal green spaces and a park are central to our commitment to buyers," Mr. Goulet added. Highlights of the second phase, the "WEST" tower: Over 300 units ranging in size from 270 to 1,833 square feet Studio units, one- to three-bedroom units, and penthouses on the upper floors An urban cottage on the top floor An oasis-type pool on the terrace On-site concierge Indoor parking for cars and bicycles Prospective buyers for Phase 2, the "WEST" tower, can register on the website www.estwestcondos.ca for a launch event scheduled for spring 2018.

Oui, c’est legitime, le lien mene directement au site tourdescanadiens.com

Still promoting the older renders of the TDCs and 750...just bizarre.

VIP launch - 23 november 2017

Montreal's luxury real-estate market is hot, hot, hot http://montrealgazette.com/life/homes/montreals-luxury-real-estate-market-is-hot-hot-hot The market is flourishing because the city is enjoying an economic upturn and most buyers are locals looking for something unique, developers say. Sitting in the sales office of his latest big project, Michael Broccolini just can’t stop smiling. And with good reason; he is describing how buyers responded to his new 35-storey condo development, “We opened it to public sale the second week of October, and a week later we were 80 per cent sold.” That is a stunning sales performance. The tower, named for its municipal address, 628 St. Jacques, will have 258 units, meaning Broccolini and his team sold about 200 condos in seven days. “We knew the market was on fire, we just didn’t know what “temperature” the market was,” he says. What makes it even more remarkable is that nothing in the building is a bargain. It is high-end, luxurious and pricey. The smallest and least expensive unit (470 square feet) sells for about $330,000 before taxes. The largest and most expensive unit is the (as yet unsold) penthouse; 4,000 square feet and costs $4.8 million before taxes. “It is quite an achievement,” Broccolini says, smiling. “I feel really good about it.” No kidding. Broccolini’s success is consistent with recent economic reviews of Montreal real estate trends, including the latest quarterly report from the Quebec Federation of Real Estate Boards. It reported significant increases in transactions at the higher end of the real estate scale; a jump of more than 30 per cent for properties worth more than $500,000 and 40 per cent increase for properties worth more than $700,000. But why is the high-end category so hot right now? There is, of course, the real estate adage “location, location, location,” and that could explain in part Broccolini’s success at 628 St. Jacques. It sits on prime real estate, on Victoria Square in Old Montreal. A five-foot model of the project promises an Art Deco-inspired tower. “We wanted it to look like it belongs in Old Montreal or old New York,” says the 28-year old entrepreneur. But that doesn’t really explain the rush to buy. Not even the rooftop sauna and pool (“tallest pool in the city”) explains it. Success breeds success Broccolini says his project and other luxury projects in the city are doing well because Montreal is doing well. “Look at unemployment at a 30-year low. Last year, Montreal created more full-time jobs than the rest of the country combined. Tourism is up, and things like more direct flights to places like China … all these things add energy to the city. In my lifetime, I don’t think there has been a better time. I don’t think Montreal has been as “hot” as it is right now.” If you build it … they will buy Broccolini is not the only one successfully selling high-end properties right now. A year ago the Gazette featured a luxury development project by Groupe Quorum, in Laval Sur Le Lac. At the time, construction of Phase One had just started and the sales pitch just launched. Now, Quorum’s marketing manager, Maxime Laporte, is also wearing a broad smile. “We are 50 per cent more progressed than we expected to be at this time. Phase One is due for occupancy in February and is 90 per cent sold. Phase 2 is being built and is 60 per cent sold and even Phase 3 has hit 50 per cent sold, so construction of that is being moved up. The sales and absorption of this luxury product have exceeded even our own forecasts.” Laporte agrees that the health of the Montreal economy is partly responsible for the positive trend, but mostly he credits the high quality of new luxury projects for pace of sales … an ‘if you build it luxuriously, they will come’ idea. “It has been years, since the ’80s and ’90s, since there was a big push of luxury products built. Now, those are older inventory. If you think about Westmount or along Sherbrooke St., those luxury products are in good shape, but they are the style of the last century, and luxury is the ‘gout de jour.’ You want the condo of today, with the different use of space and design. So, this is the right time to be selling the latest in luxury,” he says. Dreams can come true Eve Drouin sells “dreams that come true.” She is the project co-ordinator of 3-33 DuCanal, which is the street address of “the last piece of developable waterfront in Lachine.” And it is the word “waterfront” that defines the project. “None of our clients were looking to buy, they were not active buyers. They are people who wandered by and came to take a look. They say: ‘I always dreamed of living on the waterfront and now I can.’ ” Well, they can if they have a million dollars or more. The homes will vary between 1,800 square feet to about 2,400 square feet and cost between $1 million and $1.4 million before taxes. Four of the 10 units are sold or reserved. On one side of the property is the Lachine Canal; on the other, the St. Lawrence River and a view of the Mercier Bridge. Immediately beside the property is Parc René Lévesque, while in front there are bike paths and the marina. “Everyone who comes here says I feel like I am on vacation,” Drouin says. Keeping that vacation zen means every bedroom of every house has a view of water. The houses have huge windows and 9X15 foot patio doors. “They are the canvasses of the exterior.” Who is buying all these luxurious homes? Drouin, Broccolini and Laporte all agree: Montrealers. Stories abound about international buyers and Canadians fleeing the overheated housing markets in Vancouver and Toronto, but the developers of these luxury properties have seen very few foreign investors. The vast majority of their sales are to locals looking for something unique. “In our case,” says Drouin, “this is mostly about downsizing. Our clients are Montreal business people or professionals. Their kids are gone and they feel ‘it is my turn.’ One of her buyers is completely opening the second floor into a master suite with a tiny kitchen and a work studio. Another wants an elevator built from the garage in the basement to the rooftop terrace. “This is luxury for them, a home designed for them. A home they will live in for a long time.”

Such an unnecessary bump...

Shouldn't we call this "Appartements Dorchester" and not Hotel Maritime? Slanctot captured montréaliste's banner mention in the image below days ago.

https://renx.ca/downtown-montreal-office-never-stronger/ Downtown Montreal office ‘has never been stronger’ Danny Kucharsky | Property Biz Canada | 2017-10-26 The future looks brighter than it has in a long time for commercial leasing and development in downtown Montreal, panelists agreed during a discussion on the state of the city’s office market. “I think next year is going to continue to be strong. Downtown has never been stronger,” says Robert Giglio, vice-president, leasing at Bentall Kennedy. “People are interested in the city. We’ve never had more visits from Torontonians looking at buildings and wanting to invest their money here.” He was speaking at the Montreal Real Estate Strategy and Leasing Conference on Oct. 12. Things look good for downtown office space and there are no particular reasons to expect a slowdown, says Philip Belliard, senior director, leasing at GWL Realty Advisors. While infrastructure work may cause a few blips, “everything is moving in the right direction for Montreal as a whole,” in terms of confidence, economic growth and employment. New office development expected soon Developers have adopted a more conservative approach and “are staying in line and not popping up buildings when they’re not necessary,” Belliard says. That said, he thinks a new office development for the downtown will likely be announced in the next 12 to 18 months because there are no large blocks of vacant space available. “That’ll prompt somebody to take the lead.” This has been a “great” year for GWL, Belliard adds, kicking off with the acquisition of 1350 and 1360 René Lévesque Blvd. W. (see Benchmark office deal closes in downtown Montreal). The buildings are 530,000 square feet and 397,000 square feet, respectively. GWL also completed the sale and leaseback of the 375,000-square-foot SNC Lavalin building at 455 René Lévesque. Together, those moves have added almost 1.5 million square feet to its portfolio. Jean Laurin, president and CEO of Newmark Knight Frank Devencore, continued in an optimistic vein, noting the infrastructure work, residential and commercial development in the city have been “exceptional.” “I’ve rarely seen Montreal have the growth like we’re in right now.” He does not see anything changing that situation although the fate of NAFTA negotiations could have some negative impact. Laurin notes that since much of the space for development on René Lévesque has been taken up by condos and hotels, new downtown office development will likely have to take place in the south. Live, work, play concept taking hold Belliard says the development of residential condo buildings on René Lévesque has helped with office tenant retention given the concept of live, work and play is one of the biggest drivers of decision-making. However, while residential development in an area that has traditionally been home to commercial development has proven to be popular with baby boomers and millennials, it has not taken off with Gen Xers and their families. Brokers on the panel noted that while downtown is doing well, it is often tough to find takers in the suburban markets of St. Laurent and Laval. The expansive St. Laurent market, which stretches some 16 kilometres along the Trans-Canada Highway, is “a hard nut to crack,” Beillard says. There were 52 options for tenants looking for between 4,000 and 8,000 square feet in St. Laurent the last time he checked. “It comes down to, ‘How do you make sure your employees can get to your buildings?’ We all have buildings that are in good shape, that show well, that the tenants tend to stay at. It’s just trying to get them there.” Class-B building owners reinvesting Belliard notes there has been a significant flight to quality of tenants moving from class-B to class-A properties “because they need to densify and modernize.” As a result, class-B building owners need to reinvest to retain tenants, often in areas tenants can’t see but definitely can feel – from HVAC systems to improved mechanics in the elevators. “Definitely, location is not the only thing that counts anymore. You have to be ahead of the curve. There are some landlords in Montreal that have ignored this reality.” Giglio says commercial landlords who are currently finding it difficult to lease their spaces have to reposition their buildings to provide upgraded and additional services, such as better Wi-Fi, to accommodate a growing millennial workforce. “When you’re sitting at 25 or 30 or 40 per cent vacancy, you’re also in a position to be a little bit more aggressive, to give a little bit more incentives to a new tenant.”

Ridicule! pay to play

New Jersey offered USD $7 Billion in tax credits. Canada cannot compete on that front.

I think everyone needs to calm down. Contractors don't guarantee the outside appearance of their buildings. It's stipulated in their contracts that appearances are subject to change at the Contractor's sole discretion. Not the discretion of mtlurb. Buyers' purchase at their own risk. Shit happens. That's life.

2019 Q3

http://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/technoparc-montreal-and-fpinnovations-are-proud-to-announce-the-signing-of-the-purchase-of-the-lands-for-the-implantation-of-fpinnovations-at-the-technoparc-de-montreal-651903463.html Technoparc Montréal and FPInnovations are proud to announce the signing of the purchase of the lands for the implantation of FPInnovations at the Technoparc de Montréal MONTREAL, Oct. 20, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - Technoparc Montréal and FPInnovations today concluded the purchase of lands by FPInnovations for its establishment at the Technoparc de Montréal. The lands, totaling more than 360,000 square feet (33,400 square meters), are in the southern part of the Technoparc de Montréal, the Eco-campus Hubert Reeves section. "I am pleased in regard to this first step toward building an integrated international biomaterials innovation centre under FPInnovations' leadership. This is an opportunity for the greater Montreal area as well as for the Quebec and Canadian forest industry to lead the way in the field of biomaterials and clean technologies," said Mr. Pierre Lapointe, President and Chief Executive Officer of FPInnovations. "The location chosen at the Technoparc will allow us to get closer to our current partners, to facilitate travel for our collaborators, and to allow our employees to work within an environment that promotes innovation and cooperation," he added. "We are very proud of this transaction, which marks a real kick-off in the development of the Eco-campus Hubert Reeves. FPInnovations corresponds exactly to the type of resident companies looking for a workplace with a perfect symbiosis between humans and nature. We are convinced that the arrival of FPInnovations will attract a growing interest for companies wishing to settle in an environment where nature protection is a priority," said Mr. Mario Monette, President and CEO of Technoparc Montréal. "The Éco-campus is a unique site in all of North America. It was designed to welcome clean-tech research firms—a sector that we want to develop in Saint-Laurent. In fact, this type of company wants to locate in an environment where biodiversity is preserved… And that's one of the main values of our own Administration! The agreement that has been signed with this first company confirms the vision of long-term development of our territory, and the Borough Council members and I are very proud of this," stated the Saint-Laurent Borough Mayor Alan DeSousa.

Maybe the little fatties are part of a masterplan https://renx.ca/montreal-tour-des-canadiens-3-condo-tower-launches/ Office towers could accommodate Amazon He noted new office space at Quad Windsor could accommodate Amazon’s needs as part of Montreal’s bid to land the Seattle-based company’s second North American headquarters.