Why Live in a Restored Historic Building

As city centre populations sky-rocketed, there was a growing need for high-rise concentrated buildings to provide housing. Apartment buildings first sprouted up in New York in the 1820s and later took off in large cities around the world in the late 19th century. 

While newer apartments built in the years since have more modern amenities, these older, original buildings still have a big part to play in the real estate market. Residents talk ever more fondly of a desire to live in distinctive, charming and authentic accommodation – something that restored historic buildings have in abundance. 

We’ve put together a list of the advantages of living in a restored historic building over a newly constructed one.

Characterful

If it’s a characterful accommodation you’re looking for, a historic building is the way to go. The intricate details found in an older building is hard to replicate in newer construction where efficiency and cost-effectiveness are often the priority. 

Newer apartment buildings are often referred to as ‘copy-and-paste’, a term that is far from the mark with historic buildings. Unique quirks and qualities differentiate older buildings from one and other. 

Built to last

Durability is a common concern for those living in areas prone to severe weather conditions, but thanks to solid materials and construction practices, the last thing that you’ll be worried about with a historic building is durability. 

Most older buildings were constructed with weighty, high-quality materials that often outlive materials used in modern construction.

Living in a piece of history

Want to wake up in a piece of your city’s history every morning? These historic apartment buildings have been around for a century or longer and seen a fair share of happenings over the years. 

For example, the building used for the latest phase of the Ateliers Castelnau development in Montreal’s Mile End was once used for shoemaking, carpentry, weaving, embroidery, printing, sewing, forging and painting workshops. If that isn’t a conversation starter for dinner guests we don’t know what is! 

Central location

You’re right, the occasional modern apartment building is built in the city centre, but they often prop up in less developed areas. 

Older apartment buildings benefit from already being located in areas with established parks, shops, and communities. So if you want to be in the heart of the action, a historic apartment is your best bet. 

Historic condo development in Montreal

Ateliers Castelnau is a new historic condo development in Mile-Ex, Montreal. The one-of-a-kind condo project respects the neighbourhood’s historic character and is now approaching its final fourth phase.

Inspired by the industrial charm of Mile-Ex’ vibrant past, the studio to three-bedroomed condos seamlessly mix history and modern luxuries. Ateliers Castelnau is built in a renovated 1920’s building, preserving the memory of craftsmen and workshops of the past.

Unique in its kind, the initial three phases of the condo development have been extremely popular. You can register your interest in the forthcoming fourth phase of the Ateliers Castelnau historic building here.