1100 Atwater - Building Retrofit

Originally built with strict security in mind, the building had been constructed much like a ‘bunker’, with minimal fenestration and raised landscaping to deter ram-aid attacks. GKC modernized the structure by introducing new openings, lowering the building to street level to enhance accessibility and appeal, and converting all seven storeys into contemporary, multi-purpose workspaces.

To meet the client’s requirements, each floor was designed with an open-plan layout, allowing for flexible subdivision according to tenant needs. The project team devised floor plans that would allow access to a new central core (home to elevators, washrooms, and a mechanical room), as well as the emergency exits, regardless of how the spaces may be divided.

A second elevator shaft was also added to provide access to the underground parking garage, since the main shaft lacked sufficient clearance. The fact that the ground floor and basement were staggered added further complexity, requiring significant coordination to ensure seamless integration of the new elevator and all building access points.

The project team repurposed the existing mechanical shafts to introduce generous fenestration throughout the height of the building, and created a striking new main entrance at the corner of Tupper Street and Atwater Avenue. Exterior lighting and the addition of street-side trees complete a design that integrates harmoniously with the surrounding public realm.

A large terrace offering panoramic views of Montreal and the surrounding region sits on the seventh-floor roof, which also houses water towers that can provide backup power in the event of an outage. Although essential, this system, inherited from the original build, presented both vibration and aesthetic challenges. A mechanical room was constructed to conceal the towers, and a resilient ceiling was installed on the sixth floor to isolate the offices from vibrations. Here again, the team undertook extensive research and coordination to route the mechanical ducts, sprinkler system, and lighting through the ceiling without compromising its acoustic performance.