The relocation of the former diner covered in graffiti at the intersection of Saint-Denis and Gilford streets, in Le Plateau-Mont-Royal, aroused a lot of curiosity at the beginning of May. The removal of the metal structure dating from the 1950s also signaled the start of the revitalization of the site, where the Galaxie, a 4-story rental building with 29 units, will be built.

The strategic location of the land, a few minutes’ walk from the Laurier metro station, and its history linked to the old Chemin des Carrières encouraged Charles Duchesne, president of Residia Real Estate Development, to purchase the land two years ago . The development of the place fit perfectly with the objectives pursued by the company since its creation in 2018.

“We target the central neighborhoods of Montreal, where there is an interesting commercial offer,” he explains. We choose places where we see potential to improve the neighborhood. One of our commitments is respect for heritage, and we want to integrate well into the urban fabric. We also want to restore spaces where life is good. »

For the district, the start of construction of the complex is timely. “It was sad to see the old Galaxie being tagged and vandalized,” says Marie Plourde, city councilor in the Mile End district, in Plateau-Mont Royal. For us, it’s a bit of a renewal.

“We’re very excited,” she continues. The project corresponds to the major land use planning orientations of the City of Montreal. The objective is to densify around transport hubs such as metro stations. There will be a variety of accommodations, and many will have three bedrooms. What we are also very happy about is that four homes will meet the standards for adaptable housing. »

In total, 11 of the 29 units, or 37% of them, will have three bedrooms and an average surface area of ​​1,250 ft⁠2 of living space (116 m⁠2). Six row houses will have their private entrance on rue Gilford and a seventh on rue Saint-Denis. There will also be additional three-bedroom units on the upper floors.

The W-shaped configuration of the land was used to create two interior courtyards, which will be planted with vegetation. “All the units will be through, with views of one of the two courtyards and the street,” explains Mr. Duchesne. Natural lighting will therefore be optimal. Exterior perforated metal passageways will provide access to the accommodation. »

The complex, designed by the Blouin Beauchamp Architectes agency, will be V-shaped and will have a gray clay brick cladding.

“It was a path that arose naturally and was used by quarrymen, who transported gray stone from Montreal from nearby quarries,” continues the entrepreneur. This is why the lot has an atypical shape. »

References to the old Art Deco style diner will be made inside, in the accommodations and in the entrance hall. A business will also be established on the ground floor.

Le Galaxie, whose name recalls that of the roadside snack bar that later became a pizzeria, is the fourth project of Residia Développement immobilier. It marks an acceleration in the company’s pursuit of ESG (environmental, social and governance) criteria.

“Aerothermal energy will be used as a renewable energy source,” explains Mr. Duchesne. Heat recovery will allow domestic water heating. High-efficiency heat pumps, which operate down to -25°C, will be installed. Electric baseboards will serve as additional heating. They will be connected to the wall units and they will communicate with each other. »

The company will make other eco-responsible actions. For example, it intends to carry out efficient sorting of debris on the site. “We are also going to try, for the first time, to have electric generators, rather than gasoline. In the interior courtyards, there will be plantings in the ground. It’s not about bins. We will have real shrubs and perhaps low-growing trees. »

The building, moreover, will not include parking. “People will be close to well-developed public transportation networks, with various bus lines, the metro and the express bicycle network,” indicates Marie Plourde, also president of the Plateau-Mont-Royal urban planning advisory committee.

The Galaxie represents an investment of around ten million for Residia Real Estate Development and its private and institutional financial partners. With excavation underway, tenants will be able to move in in summer 2025. Unit reservations will begin in early 2025.