The Van Horne warehouse could be transformed into a hotel and commercial space. The transformation of this emblematic Mile End building worries some residents of the neighborhood, but the industrial designer in charge of the project ensures that the heritage character of the building will be respected.
“We approached the project being very aware that it is a building that means a lot to people in the neighborhood,” explained designer Zébulon Perron, commissioned by the real estate company Rester Management, owner of the building for ten years. years.
Having grown up and living in Mile End, Mr. Perron and the architect with whom he collaborates, Thomas Balaban, know this area of Montreal well. “This part of Van Horne Avenue is dead. In the evening, it’s even sometimes a little scary. Our goal is to bring that back to the public, to bring that to life. »
Currently, the building located at 1, avenue Van Horne is used to store documents. According to the developer’s plans, the space should give way to shops on the ground floor, workspaces and a hotel with a restaurant. The duo also plans to make the roof accessible, which offers an “incredible view of Montreal. »
“The conversion of the warehouse into an inhabited building nevertheless corresponds to a current need. It’s not a waste, it’s not a far-fetched transformation,” said Mile End Memories board member Justin Bur. According to him, the duo “have really thought about what we can do with this location, which is still wedged between a road viaduct, a tunnel under the railway and the railway itself”. According to Mr. Bur , the project will revitalize the sector.
As for the preservation of the historic character of the building, he indicates that “the constraints are important”, but that “the architects have pushed the reflection and the resolution of the problem quite far. […] It’s a bold project, in the sense that they radically transform the building giving us something that, in a way, is more useful than what we have now, even if we lose a lot of authenticity. »
Indeed, “the warehouse has changed very little since its construction” in 1924. “Thus its use for anything other than storage necessarily entails a loss of its original function and appearance,” said explained Mr. Bur.
A few flats
Contacted by The duty, the borough councilor in Le Plateau-Mont-Royal, Marie Plourde, recognizes the potential for revitalization for the neighborhood, and underlines her interest in the project. However, the city representative maintains that she is committed to preserving the historic style of the building. “There is an opening, but not at any price. […] We want it to be done with delicacy and to respect the soul of this building. »
The project is still at a “very preliminary” stage. A first plan was presented to the architects and the borough’s planning advisory committee, but the City highlighted “several drawbacks”, particularly with regard to the preservation of the water tower – one of the last on the territory. Montrealers—to the addition of windows and the planned openings onto the street.
Mme Plourde says he is waiting for a return from the promoter. For his part, Mr. Perron confirmed that the “iconic value” of the building would be preserved.
“Our approach is sensitive because we are residents of the neighborhood, we are interested in preserving the architectural heritage and we want life at street level to be pleasant and lively,” he said.
Requests for exemptions oblige, the project will have to pass in front of a public consultation, which should be held in the fall. In the meantime, M.me Plourde intends to survey, “even before the official consultation”, citizens and local organizations, such as Mile End Memory and the Plateau-Mont-Royal Historical Society.
Social acceptability
If the construction of a hotel would meet a need of the district, it seems to have raised concerns among the inhabitants. ” WTF hotel ? ! We must oppose this crap! read on Facebook under a post announcing the project.
It must be said that the promoter’s site reveals very little information. MM. Perron and Balaban, however, took the lead, consulting before the presentation of the project to the City with “people from the local community”, indicated Justin Bur. “I don’t know if there are specific reasons why people are unhappy or if it’s just a kind of reflex against any change,” he added.
“I don’t get the impression that this company intends to keep the building as it is. […] It saddens me,” said the To have to Lucie Larose, who had also criticized the project on Facebook. ” [Mais] I realize my first reaction was a bit based on attachment or emotions,” she said.
A resident of Mile End for eight years, Ms.me Larose was able to visit the building “about ten years ago” through a friend. She now fears losing “a building that had a soul”.
Mme Larose still sees advantages in this project. “What I found positive was the idea that someone wanted to take care of this building, to do something useful or functional with it.