Earlier this week, it was announced that the iconic former Molson brewery in Montreal would be redeveloped to deliver a mixed-use master-planned neighbourhood that would house a "vast" public park, a wide array of retail, office, community, and commercial spaces, and around 5,000 new housing units, 20% of which will be comprised of social housing.
The plan, dubbed "Quartier Molson," comes from Laval-based developer MONTONI and Fonds immobilier de solidarité FTQ (FTQ Solidarity Real Estate Fund), who are working in partnership to transform the more than half-a-kilometre-long property that traces its way along the shore of the St. Lawrence River — "a waterfront site like no other," says the press release.
Spanning 10.8 hectares, the expansive development would sit between Atateken and Papineau streets, near the Ville-Marie Highway in Montreal's Ville-Marie borough. In the 18th century, the area was a bustling industrial hub home to the Continent's first brewery, opened by John Molson in 1786. But after 235 years, the company moved its operations to Longueuil, Quebec, and the Montreal site sat vacant. Now, MONTONI and FTQ hope to breath life back into the historic site.
"Our intent is to capture the soul and history of this unique place and to create a sustainable, vibrant, genuine mixed-use neighbourhood," says MONTONI PresidentDario Montoni. "We sincerely hope that this new neighbourhood will appeal to the Montréal community, honour the rich history of the site, of the Molson family and become a source of pride for everyone who loves our city."
Phase 1A of Quartier Molson's construction will begin with Îlot des Voltigeurs (Voltigeurs Island), the oldest and most emblematic section of the Molson lands, housing the Molson sign and its clock. This section of the site was also chosen for initial development because, once complete, it will serve as the new offices for MolsonCoors. The social and affordable housing component will also be part of the initial phases of construction.
Voltigeurs Island is one of nine "Islands" that make up the entirety of Quartier Molson, which will collectively house 27 separate buildings comprising shops and boutiques, restaurants, a hotel, offices, residential spaces, and a civic centre.
While detailed plans have yet to be approved by the City, the developers have shared their grand vision for Voltigeurs Island, which they describe as "a major attraction along the Old Port recreation and tourism corridor, home to offices, shops, restaurants and hotels, as well as experiential and event venues, providing a boost to local economic vitality." On November 15, the dismantling of the warehouses on the site began and has been progressing quickly, according to the development's website.
As for the rest of Quartier Molson, the general overhaul plans to prioritize heritage conservation, sustainable development, and the provision of green spaces.
When MONTONI and FTQ were chosen as the buyers, one of the things that distinguished them from other buyers was the fact that their vision respected the brewery’s heritage and legacy. According to the press release, the partners plan to retain and integrate "emblematic features" like the Molson tower, chimney stack, clock, and lighted sign.
Additionally, the plans aim to serve as a model for sustainable development by achieving both LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and ZCB (Zero-Carbon Building) certification. Also under consideration is the implementation of some sort of sustainable energy loop system.
Finally, one of the most exciting aspects of the redevelopment is the inclusion of a 150,000-sq.-ft public park named Sohmer Park, after the original Sohmer Park that existed in the 1800s. Throughout the development, there are also plans for a number of courtyards and gardens as well as a new shoreline walk that will extend along the St. Lawrence.
For development of the site, MONTONI and FTQ have retained Montreal-based Sid Lee Architecture to design the buildings and CCxA for landscape design. Pending final approvals, construction on the ambitious project is expected to begin in 2025.
QUARTIER MOLSON
Renderings from MONTONI and FTQ
