Posted at 7:00 am
Four Mystery Churches for sale
The Diocese of Montreal recently put four churches in the heart of the metropolis up for sale, but adamantly refuses to say which ones. The buildings are located “in the high-demand areas of Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, Rosemont-Petite-Patrie and Pointe-Saint-Charles,” according to Colliers Canada’s real estate listing. They are a “unique opportunity for renovation” or use as places of worship, says real estate agent Chimène Constance. However, the precise identity of the buildings will only be revealed to those who agree to sign a confidentiality agreement. The press refused. “As the projects are still ongoing and Christian communities are involved, we remain cautious about sharing details,” said Erika Jacinto, spokeswoman for the diocese. The organization declined an interview request.
Mercy Hospital in the market
PHOTO JEAN-FRANÇOIS SEGUIN SUPPLIED BY HERITAGE MONTREAL, LA PRESSE ARCHIVE
Misericordia Hospital, Boulevard René-Lévesque
After a decade of hesitation, Quebec has finally put up for sale the Hôpital de la Miséricorde site on René-Lévesque Boulevard south of Berri-UQAM. The complex, built from the middle of the 19th century, is to be renovated, but must preserve some historical elements. “It would be a tragedy if the building were still empty in ten years,” said real estate agent Sylvain Bernèche from Landerz. “There is something to do here [aura] an importance both for the neighborhood and for Montreal as a whole. “The responsiveness is very good,” he added. In 2021, the Plante administration published its vision for the redevelopment of the site: it agreed to allow the construction of a 17-story tower on the site in exchange for the inclusion of less profitable projects, namely “90 social housing, 130 artists’ studios, 60 studios for the Maison du Père, 80 student studios” and a cultural space in the chapel. However, this vision does not bind the future buyer. “We are pleased to have worked with SQI (Société québécoise des Infrastructures) to identify the rehabilitation needs of this important site, in line with the needs of the community and in line with the historical and cultural value of the site,” said the director at Thursday from Apartments in the City, Benoit Dorais, in a written statement.
A run down block in the heart of the plateau
IMAGE PROVIDED BY NECKLACES CANADA
The real estate complex for sale. Saint-Laurent Boulevard is visible in the upper left corner of the image, while Marie-Anne Street crosses the photo.
The buildings — abandoned for years and covered in graffiti from foundations to roof — are obvious to anyone walking down Saint-Laurent boulevard, near the intersection of Marie-Anne Street and the park. They will now be offered to the highest bidder. Real estate agent Anthony Kyriakou speaks of a “hotel development opportunity” on the site, which includes six separate buildings. “Its prime location in one of Montreal’s most desirable neighborhoods makes this site an exceptional candidate for a mixed-use development,” the paper adds. Without zoning, the future building could reach four stories in places, says the agent, who didn’t call La Presse. The set belongs to Anna Kiorpelidis, the widow of a local mechanic.
An old town hall for $1
PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE MINISTRY OF CULTURE
Saint Paul Center
The city of Montreal confirmed on Wednesday its desire to sell the Center Saint-Paul, the former Côte-Saint-Paul town hall, on Avenue de l’Eglise in the Sud-Ouest district. The city will this spring seek “a company or non-profit organization committed to the restoration, preservation and improvement” of the century-old building, which also housed a fire station. This building is the first to be targeted by the City of Montreal’s vacant and surplus real estate strategy, which aims to reduce the expensive municipal real estate inventory. “The requalification project of the Saint-Paul center could start in 2024,” the Plante administration said in a press release.
A huge monastery that has become free
PHOTO CHARLES WILLIAM PELLETIER, SPECIAL COLLABORATION
Monastery of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary
The building is not on the market, but La Presse has been able to confirm that the Franciscan Missionary Sisters have recently completed their huge complex on rue Laurier, between boulevard Saint-Laurent and rue de Bullion, in the Plateau-Mont-Royal district. The information had already been circulated on local news platforms. “At our age, we are still being sent to continue this mission to a new promised land,” reads a newsletter published on the church’s website. “The departure of the 24 sisters from the infirmary, the 7 semi-autonomous sisters and the 6 other autonomous sisters took place in peace and serenity, despite some tears that showed a loss of trust. Everything went very well. The organization turned down La Presse’s request for an interview.