New York Life Building,
511 Place d’Armes
Prix du patrimoine commercial, Greater Montréal Real Estate Board, 2005.

The Prix du patrimoine commercial (Commercial Heritage Award) is given to a corporation in recognition of its contribution to the preservation of commercial architectural heritage. The award for 2005 is presented to Bechara Helal, owner and prime contractor, and Gilles Lavigueur, architect, for their restoration work on the office building located at 511 Place d'Armes. The prestigious eight-storey structure, designed by the New York City architectural firm Babb, Cook & Willard and completed in 1889, is known as Montréal's first skyscraper. The sumptuous lobby space boast sculpted motifs by Henry Beaumont and lattice work by the Montréal foundry Chanteloup. The preservation of 511 Place d'Armes demonstrates vividly that bringing together qualified experts and artisans, a documented approach, wisely chosen materials and techniques, and a proven methodology are key to quality results. The major investment by the owner, who insisted respecting the many requirements associated with a preservation project of this scale, also bears mentioning.
(Source: City of Montréal)

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Thomas-Philippe-Barron Warehouse-store,
325 du Saint-Sacrement Street
Prix de mise en valeur du patrimoine, 2005

The Prix de mise en valeur du patrimoine (Award for Heritage Presentation) is given to a corporation in recognition of its contribution to safeguarding Montréal's built heritage through an exemplary historic building restoration project. The award for 2005 is presented to the construction firm Fernand Giroux et associés, along with architect Jean René Corbeil and urban planner Jean Elzéar Côté, for the re-use and transformation of 325 Rue de Saint-Sacrement. This building, whose construction was completed in 1863 from plans by architect John Atkinson, was used mainly as a warehouse-store for several years before becoming a print shop for a time, eventually standing vacant and hosting the occasional film shoot in recent years. The work, begun in 2001, sought to preserve the existing architectural volumes as well as the window openings on the topmost level, so as to highlight the building's particular heritage qualities. The quality of the restoration work done on this building helps enhance heritage presentation in Old Montréal. The approach taken by the designers, for the interior as well as exterior, ensured that the spirit of the space was respected while each of its components was upgraded. (Source: City of Montréal)

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Gault Brothers Building,
447-449 Sainte-Hélène Street
Greater Montréal Real Estate Board Award for Commercial Heritage, 2003

The Award for Commercial Heritage recognizes a business for its role in preserving commercial architectural heritage. The award for 2003 went to Propriétés Terra Incognita Inc. and the architectural firm of Fournier Gersovitz Moss et associés for their redevelopment of this former warehouse-store into a hotel. The exceptional five-storey stone building with mansard roof, commissioned by the Gault brothers in 1871, is the work of architect John James Browne. The original Gault Brothers Building now houses the Hôtel Gault. The project was singled out for the developers' respect of the structure's original architectural features in spite of the change in usage; they were not only able to save the building, but enhance its heritage assets as well. The redevelopment demonstrates that it is possible to make discreet changes to a building yet preserve its character and qualities, all while responding to new usage needs. (Source: City of Montréal)

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Aldred Building,
501-507 Place d'Armes
Heritage Award, Commercial/industrial or office building, 2002

The work of architects Ernest Isabell Barott and Gordon Home Blackader, this early 1930s Art Deco skyscraper is a crown jewel of Old Montréal's heritage architecture. The 23-storey structure was named after J.E. Aldred, original owner of the Shawinigan Water and Power Company. The building owes its characteristic silhouette to a zoning bylaw of the era, inspired by one passed in New York City, that placed height restrictions on buildings. Hence the set-back design, which creates the illusion of reduced height. With its emphasized verticality, remarkable variety of stylized geometric bas-reliefs on the spandrels and other divisions, and overall verve, the building is a fine example of the Art Deco ideal, the birth of which is traditionally traced to the 1925 Exposition internationale d'arts décoratifs et industriels modernes in Paris. (Source: City of Montréal)

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Harbour Commissioners Building,
357 De la Commune Street West
Wawanesa Award for Heritage Enhancement, 2002

The Wawanesa Award for Heritage Enhancement rewards businesses for their contributions to the preservation of Montréal's architectural heritage via their exemplary restoration of historical buildings. In 2002 the award was given to Propriétés Terra Incognita Inc. for its restoration of the former Montréal Harbour Commissioners Building, completed in 1878 from a design by architects A.C. Hutchison, J.W. Hopkins and D.B. Wily. The building's history would remain linked to that of the Port of Montréal for nearly a century. It was used as warehouse space from 1972 to 1997 by a Chinese furniture importer. During 2000 and 2001, a massive restoration effort was entrusted to the architectural firm of Fournier Gersovitz Moss et associés. Preserving the masonry alone was a major undertaking. Further work included reinforcement of the structure, reconstruction of the copper roof, resculpting and remodeling of sculpted elements, and construction of new components using traditional techniques. The interior layout respects the character of the original space while incorporating the latest-generation communications, climate control and "smart home" technologies. These innovations did not stand in the way of restoration and reconstitution of original décor elements that are remarkable for their quality and attention to detail. All in all, the restoration of the former Harbour Commissioners Building is firm proof that the pooling of qualified experts and artisans, along with a documented approach and judicious selection of materials and methods, is a guarantee of quality. (Source: City of Montréal)

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Canadian Express Building,
351-355 McGill Street
Wawanesa Award for Heritage Enhancement, 2001

The Wawanesa Award for Heritage Enhancement rewards businesses for their contributions to the preservation of Montréal's architectural heritage via their exemplary restoration of historic buildings. In 2001 it was bestowed on Iber Management for its conversion of the former Canadian Express Building–built around 1906-1908 from plans by Hutchison & Wood, architects–into a boutique hotel. The elegant sandstone building has been carefully restored, and now houses the 120-room Hôtel St-Paul. The interior layout design was executed by Ana Borrallo of Acanto Interiors of Montréal in collaboration with New York City-based In Situ Design. The architectural plans were the work of the firm Le Moyne, Lapointe, Magne. (Source: City of Montréal)

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Le Berri-Bonsecours,
434-448 Notre-Dame Street East
CCQ Award for Architectural Integration, 2001

With the CCQ Award for Architectural Integration, the City of Montréal and Heritage Montréal reward businesses for their contributions to heritage neighbourhood enhancement via new, quality construction that integrates with the existing urban fabric. The 2001 award went to Développement Rachel Julien inc. and the architectural firm of Dupuis Le Tourneux for their residential construction project Le Berri-Bonsecours. The new building gives strong structure to the lot it occupies. Its specific location in the heart of the historic district required a sensitive design approach. The Berri-Bonsecours showcases the qualities of the built environment while exemplifying modernity. A careful reading of the surrounding area, correct use of materials and the expertise of the design and contracting teams resulted in a fine building. (Source: City of Montréal)

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Great Scottish Life Insurance Building,
701-711 Côte de la Place d'Armes
Grand Lauréat winner, 2000

This splendid listed building, the work of architects Hopkins and Wily, is a fine example of Second Empire style. Owned by the Great Scottish Life Insurance Company, the building originally sported a mansard roof and dormers before the addition of two floors in 1909. It is now home to the Hôtel Place d'Armes. (Source: City of Montréal)

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C.P.R. Telegraph Building,
204 De l'Hôpital Street
Lauréat winner, 2000

This mixed-use building, with dwellings above and a business on the ground floor, is remarkable for its architectural composition. The structure's base, main body and crown all feature an uncluttered yet elegant masonry-work, which strengthens the composition of the window and door openings, which are firmly expressed. The buildings remains interesting because its co-owners have taken great care in maintaining it. (Source: City of Montréal)

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Mixed-use (commercial and residential) building,
370 Place Royale
Lauréat winner, 1999

Simple in design, it stands out in the way it integrates with Old Montréal's urban grid. The ground floor is largely open onto the street, promoting friendly commercial usage. The upper floors, which house residential units, feature elegant wooden sash windows. (source: City of Montréal)

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Alfred Ouimet Building,
84 Saint-Paul Street East
Lauréat winner, 1993

This building in the historic district of Old Montréal has been restored in such a way as to preserve its character, while efficiently maintaining its potential for commercial activity. (Source: City of Montréal)

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Commercial building,
400-406 Notre-Dame Street East
Lauréat winner, 1993

This imposing commercial building, now converted to mixed use (store and office spaces), stands out because of the stone façade, with its ample fenestration. (Source: City of Montréal)

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New York Life Building,
511 Place d'Armes
Grand Lauréat winner, 1992

One of Montréal's first skyscrapers, this building on Place d'Armes, completed in 1889 from plans by New York City architects Babb, Cook and Willard, is clad in Scottish red sandstone. Its corner clock tower is a familiar presence on Place d'Armes, marking both time and space over this historic square. (Source: City of Montréal)

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