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In the three months since we last provided a substantial photo update of the 38-storey YUL development in Downtown Montreal, crews have focused on vertical construction and cladding installation. Developed by Brivia Group and Tianco Group, the building has been covered in a sky blue, highly reflective curtain wall glass about halfway up its concrete skeleton. Judging by what we've seen so far, the MSDL-designed project could blow expectations out of the water.
The first building of the eventual two-tower development is about two thirds of the way towards its structural apex. The interchanging ballet of protruding balconies and smooth surfaces produces a shifted block aesthetic, one that is now clearly visible as the tower continues to climb. An injection of sequenced white vertical accents adds further visual interest to the building, particularly the facade, which is otherwise unembellished.
Besides the penthouses and three-bedroom layouts positioned within the upper block, and the 17 townhomes situated on the ground, YUL's condominiums are scattered throughout the rise of the building. Studios, which are mostly housed among the two-bedroom layouts in the second block from the top, begin at 363 square feet. The one-bedroom floor plans are predominantly contained within the base of the tower and an adjacent mid-rise projection, which joins the tower to the townhome component. A richly landscaped central green space will provide residents with a comfortable outdoor space.
The development replaces a sprawling surface parking lot and a gas station which were increasingly out of place within the context of a growing central business district. With over 1,000 new residents anticipated to move into the neighbourhood, the project is certainly a better use of valuable downtown property. Beyond that, YUL represents the broader demographic movement taking place across North American cities, where millennials are flocking back to the core in search of active neighbourhoods with an abundance of uses, amenities within walking distance, and close access to public transit.
Additional images and information can be found in the Database file linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion or share your photos? Check out the associated Forum thread or leave a comment at the bottom of this page.
