MARYROBERT CONDOS
Construction to begin this summer on two 21-storey towers of 250 units each
Devimco Immobilier has led a dramatic transformation of Griffintown into one of Montreal’s hottest residential quarters.
The District Griffin project of condominium and commercial properties has virtually changed the landscape and the pulse of a once dormant part of the city, and the developer’s final condo property in the area is about to rise; it’s going to be something extra special, said Marco Fontaine, president of Premius Conseil and special adviser for the MaryRobert project.
“There’s more land, but not necessarily for condominiums,” he said, “and we are very motivated by this project. It’s going to be the iconic project of Griffintown and we’re going to make a big deal out of it.” The intent, he added, is to create an enduring sophisticated tribute to the history of Griffintown which marks the entry to Montreal.
Rising 21 storeys above Wellington and Peel Sts., abutting the Peel basin and within sight of the Five Roses sign, this is Montreal, Fontaine said — from the starting point of Peel with a direct connec- tion between the Lachine Canal and Mount Royal.
The etymology evokes Mary Griffin, a 19th-century Montreal businesswoman and landowner, and British Prime Minister Robert Peel, a trade booster and promoter of Britain’s seminal and progressive Labour Act of 1844. “That’s why we call it MaryRobert, and it will have a sense of design and elements that bring the root of Montreal — French, English, Irish and Scottish — together.”
Construction on the two buildings of 250 units each will begin this summer.
“We are 85 per cent sold in the first (eastern tower) phase, and sales are hot right now, very strong for the two buildings. We’re one year ahead of schedule.”
Designed by Lemay, it’s an evocative building throughout — dark exterior and softer, lighter interior — and the two towers have different shapes. The first rises high and neat; the second turns like slightly folding wings, presenting an asymmetric reflection to its mate.
“You never have the same view,” Fontaine said. “As you move, your view moves — from east to west, front to back, it’s always different from wherever you’re going or wherever you’re coming from. It’s very cool, and not like anything else we’ve seen around here.”
The MaryRobert signature will be punctuated by a unique public art project: a 62-metre-high silkscreen print evoking Montreal’s roots embedded in the glass on hundreds of balconies, with each unit sporting its own distinctive numbered art piece.
“Unique in Montreal, we think it’s unique in the world,” he said.
Four artists are competing for the rights to design the iconic display: multidisciplinary artist René Derouin; photographer, sculptor and painter Nicolas Baier; public art duo Mathieu Doyon and Simon Rivest; and ceramicist, visual artist and designer Pascale Girardin.
“We’re creating an icon — a chefd’oeuvre,” Fontaine said.
Devimco president Serge Goulet agrees. “As a property developer, we take great pride in supporting Quebec artists and developing a culture of architectural excellence in the province,” he said. “The MaryRobert will be the architectural showpiece of District Griffin and an important legacy for Montreal.”
Delivery is to take place within 30 months, good news for Brossard resident Fabrizio Papasodaro who bought into MaryRobert.
...A 62-metre-high silkscreen print evoking Montreal’s roots (will be) embedded in the glass on hundreds of balconies ...
A broker himself who has sold units in the development, he purchased his own condo, lured across the bridge by its location and prestige.
“It’s the last vacant lot on Peel,” Papasodaro said.
“This will become one of the hottest corners in Montreal. Location, location, location. Walking distance from all retail one could need and easy access to highways will make this tower one of the most desirable ones in the city.” MaryRobert will also host about 20,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial space.
Every condo features seven-foot doors, abundant natural light, exquisite views and stunning kitchens that feature large islands with 75-millimetre-thick quartz counters, Italian appliances with separate oven and cooktop, as well as niche lighting for dramatic and cosy effects. Plumbing fixtures and signature sinks in each unit were exclusively designed for the project, and bathrooms feature showers and bath with quartz shelves, skirted toilets and available smoked glass walls.
Units range from a 250-squarefoot studio — popular for students or those seeking a pied-à-terre in Montreal’s hottest sector — to 3,000-plus-square-foot penthouses with 10-foot ceilings. Condos fetch some $650 per square foot, from $200,000 (tax included) to about $1.6 million. Indoor parking spaces sell for $40,000 and appliances are included. Fees are estimated at 35 cents per square foot per month, covering all the basics plus security, the lounge, spa and other extras.
“We have a big variation of apartments from one to three bedrooms, sure. When you have 500 units you need to have a big variety,” Marco Fontaine said. “Increasingly, Griffintown is attracting more mature buyers who are ready for a change. We don’t see many young families, but we do see families with older kids — perhaps university students who will soon be leaving the nest.”
Common amenities include rooftop terraces for barbecuing, and both infinity and relaxation pools. The pedestal linking the two towers creates a raised inner courtyard featuring a rooftop garden and Nordic spa with baths and saunas.
“There are a lot of small intimate spaces,” Fontaine said. “It won’t feel like a big party place, but more of a relaxing, private and exclusive club.”
The pedestal also houses a grand lobby with its Peel St. entrance, security and artwork-adorned corridors to each tower.
A prestigious lounge space designed by Blazys & Gérard can be privatized for exclusive events and features a grand piano, fireplace, pool table, bar and catering area and a kitchen nook.
The neighbourhood has also evolved, Fontaine said. “We now have full services and attractions, retail and professionals around here, and prices in Griffintown are better than downtown Montreal. That’s why it’s so popular.”
Fabrizio Papasodaro noted that “the entire concept behind the building is by far the most appealing project I’ve seen. It’s Devimco’s 11th tower in Griffintown; I think they learned and perfected themselves from project to project, making this one the nicest — the gem of them all, their signature building.”