The Balfour - Renovation and Rehabilitation

Previously occupied by a variety of manufacturing businesses, particularly within the textile industry, the building stands as a testament to the neighborhood’s industrial heritage. A series of significant interventions has reinvented the property to meet today’s tenants' needs, including transforming the main lobby, renovating the stairwells, and expanding and modernizing the elevators to improve functionality and accessibility. The building is also ready to accommodate a rooftop terrace.

With a strong focus on balancing heritage preservation and modernization, the project also included façade restoration. This work involved installing windows inspired by the original designs created by architect Wilfrid Vandal, preserving the building’s distinctive industrial character while meeting contemporary standards.

One of the project’s primary challenges was carrying out extensive interior demolition while the building remained fully occupied. Careful planning and close coordination with tenants and the City of Montreal ensured both site safety and business continuity throughout construction. Temporary access routes, including an exterior staircase installed in the interior courtyard, maintained circulation during each phase of work.

Previously narrow and largely utilitarian, the main entrance was completely reconfigured to create a stronger presence along Saint-Laurent Boulevard. The lobby was expanded to create a more open, welcoming reception area that better reflects the building’s renewed identity.

As a tribute to the building’s textile heritage, the design incorporated a custom-designed wooden feature inspired by weaving patterns. The interior combines architectural metal panels, wood elements, and monolithic surfaces, while the existing columns were restored and highlighted as distinctive features within the space.