Mansfield takes a creative approach to preserving history in contemporary condominium project
With the April 11 ground-breaking ceremony, Mansfield, the latest boutique condominium project from Brivia Group in partnership with Tianqing Group, is one step closer to reality. Soon to rise: a 19-storey tower of ebony steel and gleaming glass. The contemporary architecture gives a nod to the past with Art Deco-inspired elegance, while also beautifully complementing nearby historic buildings.
But this is not the only way this emblematic luxury project will pay tribute to history while offering residents modern condo living at its finest.
Honouring the past, looking to the future
The site, which lies south of bustling Ste. Catherine St., was previously home to the historic Loew’s Theatre, which many considered iconic. The new building is designed to respect its past, says Vincent Kou, chief investment and development officer at Brivia Group. “Heritage preservation is a prime concern for us,” he said. “We have fully restored historical properties in the past, but this approach was not feasible for the old theatre. We had to find a new way of paying tribute to its history.”
In 2018, Brivia was instrumental in preserving the Louis-hippolyte Lafontaine house. The long-abandoned former home of Canada’s first pre-confederation prime minister sits on Overdale Ave., adjacent the two-phase YUL project. Restoring the dilapidated and crumbling heritage
site involved meticulously removing every stone and then putting it back into place at a cost of over $6 million. But such literal restoration was not possible for the Loew’s Theatre, famous for soaring vaulted painted ceilings and elaborately carved crown mouldings. When it first opened its doors in 1917, it was a major stop on the North American vaudeville circuit. In later eras, it was refitted to house a grand movie theatre before conversion into a fitness centre in the 1990s.
During those renovations, many of the prized architectural features had been damaged. So much so, their historical value was adversely affected, according to the heritage experts consulted by the architects, Montreal firm Béïque Legault Thuot Architectes (BLTA), whose previous projects include chic revamps of historic boutique hotels in Old Montreal.
As well, most of the main building’s support columns had been compromised and could not be brought up to current building code. Finally, asbestos was found to be prevalent throughout the rundown building, making a full remediation unfeasible. In the end, only an existing footbridge that spans the alley on the north side of the building could be retained.
A creative approach
BLTA’S first plans called for preserving the ornate ceiling cupola. But lengthy consultations with engineers determined there was no way to remove it that would ensure it was not damaged beyond all repair. The architects then revised the design to incorporate a new
dome structure over the main entrance as an homage to the original cupola.
And unlike the original, this custom-crafted feature will be visible from the exterior. So not only residents but anyone passing by can admire this recollection of the theatre’s past grandeur. It leads directly to the project’s most innovative feature: a newly constructed pedestrian alleyway lined with an urban mural that incorporates mementos from the Loew’s Theatre. Mansfield residents and the public alike can enjoy this commemorative pedestrian pathway that reconnects Cathcart and Metcalfe Streets. A portion of the pathway will be covered with snow-melting sidewalks underfoot. It also creates a direct walkway that facilitate the pedestrian connectivity between two downtown green spaces, Dorchester Square and the newly
revamped Phillips Square. “This urban connection will commemorate the site’s history while also making an artistic contribution for future generations to enjoy,” Kou said. “And provide residents with a greater appreciation for and sense of belonging to their community.” Residents also can get to know their neighbours without leaving the comfort of their own building. The rooftop terrace, complete with one-of-a-kind infinity pool, spa and fitness room, provides ample opportunities to mingle, or they can meet in the interior lounge with fireplace and wine bar. There is also an onsite golf simulator to enjoy a friendly round or solo driving session. And with the burgeoning work-from-home trend, co-working spaces and conference rooms have been integrated into the common areas for residents to welcome associates. Owners will also be able to enter and leave the building without touching a single surface. All doors, from the lobby to the ultra-high-speed elevator to their unit, can be controlled via smartphone app. The Mansfield sales office is now open at 539 Ste. Catherine St. West. Delivery of the 226 units is slated for 2024, with several configurations available, ranging from studios to three-bedroom apartments. Prices start at $373,900 for studios and go up to $1.5 million for larger units. “Residents will find an exceptional lifestyle at Mansfield,” Kou said. “At the same time, they will be part of a project designed to pay tribute to history and contribute to the city’s cultural life, past, present and into the future.”