The Selection Group–MONTONI–Fonds immobilier de solidarité FTQ Consortium is pleased to present the preliminary vision of the redevelopment project for the former Molson Brewery site. The central theme of the first phase of this nearly 6-million-square-foot historic mixed-use project in downtown Montréal will be showcasing the legacy and heritage of the Îlot des Voltigeurs, the oldest part of the site. Several iconic elements of the former brewery, including the clock, the Molson sign and the chimney, as well as the new Molson Coors’ administrative offices, will be an integral part of the development concept.
By highlighting this heritage, the Consortium aims to create a dynamic, innovative and diversified living environment while ensuring the sustainability of the existing Îlot des Voltigeurs built environment. It seeks to open the site to the surrounding areas and to create views towards the St. Lawrence River. The proposed concept preserves a cascading silhouette around the highest point, the iconic Molson Tower.
To generate vibrant, mixed-use activity, the Consortium proposes to create quality pedestrian-friendly spaces that will be accessible to all Montrealers and to incorporate heritage and archeological remnants.
A process supported by experts
When the Consortium acquired the site in 2019, it expressed a clear vision and desire to showcase the rich history of this jewel of the metropolis. The redevelopment of such a complex and historic site requires an exhaustive analysis of the heritage features of the building complexes and of the potential for enhancing the site’s existing structures.
Accordingly, the Consortium has since then conducted a thorough analysis of all of the land, guided by the ambition to revive the identity of the former Molson Brewery’s original site, the Îlot des Voltigeurs, along with its multiple historical strata, and enhance this Montréal industrial heritage site of national significance.
To this end, the Consortium joined forces with several experts, including the urban planning consultancy BC2, Sid Lee Architecture, the archeology firm Arkéos and architect Luce Lafontaine, a consultant in the conservation of built heritage. The Consortium also consulted close to 50 organizations in the area to identify the community’s needs and concerns.
Extensive work was carried out on each Îlot des Voltigeurs building over the past two years to assess various heritage criteria, including historical, architectural, social and usage values. This study is supporting and guiding the redevelopment concept for Îlot des Voltigeurs.
Positive response to the project redevelopment concept
Following Molson’s move to its new facilities on Montréal’s South Shore and after nearly two years of work and study, the Consortium presented the Îlot des Voltigeurs redevelopment concept to Ville-Marie borough’s Comité consultatif d’urbanisme (urban planning advisory committee—CCU) last month. The concept, which meets the criteria of the Programme particulier d’urbanisme (special urban planning program—PPU), received a positive response from the CCU. The Consortium is continuing its efforts aimed at developing the final project for the entire site by maintaining an open dialogue with project stakeholders, as well as with Molson Coors for the construction of its future administrative offices.
A lively neighbourhood combining the heritage of the past and modernity
The entire site of the former Molson Brewery has the potential to incorporate up to 6,000 residential units to establish a vibrant and inclusive intergenerational neighbourhood as well as more than 1 million square feet of commercial and office space that will create a major employment and innovation hub for the city. The Consortium also plans to integrate a civic area that will incorporate the lands belonging to the Société d’habitation et de développement de Montréal. The site revitalization provides a unique opportunity for Montréal to acquire an ideal and visionary development project of international calibre that reflects the values of the community and meets the needs of Montrealers.
Next step
To begin preparing the Îlot des Voltigeurs, including making room for public spaces on the ground, the silos will be taken down over the coming weeks. Two of these silos, the oldest of which dates back to 1973, will be preserved and featured in the project.
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