Sculpture in front of M9-4

On September 6, 2017, a ceremony was held to mark the opening of the newly renovated Robert-Bourassa Boulevard, which is an important roadway entrance to the downtown core. Several prominent members of the Montreal community were on hand to mark the occasion, including Mayor Denis Coderre who unveiled a brand new art installation. So, today we’re going to give a rundown of the event talk about how the new expressway is just a stone throw away from DevMcGill’s M9-4 condos.

The Bonaventure Expressway

In 1966, an elevated stretch of the Bonaventure Expressway was built to accommodate thousands of motorists venturing to the city every day. Jean Drapeau, who served as the mayor of Montreal for nearly two decades, envisioned the project and helped conceive Expo 67, which cemented our city as an international force to be reckoned with.

Fast-forward nearly half a century and the elevated stretch of the Bonaventure Expressway had to be torn down. The structure was crumbling and it was rather hideous, especially for tourists visiting the city. It also divided the boroughs and created a physical barrier that divided the Old Port and the Southwest neighbourhood.

Mayor Denis Coderre then proposed the idea of demolishing the elevated portion (which is approximately 800 meters long) and transform the space to make it more accessible for Montrealers and tourists. This includes adding bike paths, green spaces, and an interesting art installation, according to the Montreal Gazette.

Several reports in the media have indicated this project is costing taxpayers approximately $142 million, so it’s a major facelift for the area. The city has also invested approximately $750 million to reimagine the Silo no. 5, which is close by and is a relic of Montreal’s industrial days.

M9-4 Condos

The ceremony that took place last week is right in front of DevMcGill’s M9-4 condos. Located on Wellington and Nazareth, this project has some breathtaking view of Montreal’s skyline. This 21-story construction features a gym, spa, and a unique courtyard right in the middle of the Old Port. As you walk through the corridors of the building, it feels more like a boutique hotel in Manhattan instead of your own condo building in Montreal.

Artwork

A beautiful art piece was installed at the entrance of the Bonaventure gateway that was created by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa. The structure was commissioned by André Desmarais and his wife France-Chrétien-Desmarais to mark the 375th anniversary of the city.

The idea behind the stunning white sculpture is to depict Montreal’s diversity, so if you look closely, one can really see the intricate details that reflect this notion. Although the statue was a gift, it will cost the city nearly $300,000 to install and taxpayers will pay for the yearly maintenance. Residents of the M9-4 condo have waited patiently for many months for this project to be completed, and now they can wake up and gaze at the magnificent piece of art every morning.

We highly recommend all Montrealers to check out this brand new addition to the city. If you’re interested in moving to the area, be sure to check out the last unit available at DevMcGill’s M9-4 condo project. You won’t find a better view in the city, so make sure to act fast before it flies off the market.