In the early 20th century when tuberculosis was rampant, pharmacist Henry J. Dart founded a treatment hospital and named it Grace Dart Mansion in honour of his daughter. The facility on Sherbrooke Street East in Montréal closed in 2016 after more than 100 years of service. Although the neo-Georgian building was identified as a building of exceptional heritage value, it sat vacant.
Happily, demolition was avoided. Montréal developers TGTA and Maître Carré, two companies with a record of success reviving and repurposing older buildings in Montréal, teamed up and came to the rescue. Together, they transformed the beautiful stone building into a residential facility with over 290 rental suites.
Respecting the past while looking to the future was a work of the heart, David Fernandez of Maître Carré told local media.
“We saw a magnificent building that was still very solid. Architecturally speaking, it’s a Montréal masterpiece. It had to be preserved.”
Now named Mellem Grace Dart, in keeping with Maître Carré’s portfolio branding, many features of the original facility remain. Entering off Sherbrooke Street on the cobblestone driveway, visitors are immediately impressed by the building’s classic roofline, handcrafted brick walls, window pattern, copper roof and wrought iron finishes.
Yet the developers have added a new six-storey addition, designed by Montréal architectural firm Provencher_Roy, tucked behind. Although contemporary in appearance, its lines and brick tones complement the original structure.
This mature area of the city is in the heart of a tight rental housing district. The Grace Dart complex addresses this supply shortage, with the added objective of providing multi-generational living.
“We aim for social diversity in our buildings. We want to attract customers of all ages. This is how we create a true community life,” said Fernandez. “For example, parents and grandparents could live here, very close to each other, while maintaining a distance that suits their respective lives.”
Rental units range from studio to three-bedroom units, with monthly rental rates beginning at under $1,500 and peaking at $3,178. Each offers fully equipped kitchens with EnergyStar appliances, private balconies or terraces, and plenty of natural light.
Grace Dart has a range of shared amenities that reflect the multi-generational aspirations of its tenants, such as a gym, sauna and yoga room.
A rooftop terrace and outdoor pool offer views of downtown to the southwest and Mount Saint-Hilaire and Mount Saint-Bruno to the southeast. The outdoor grounds offer 75,000 square feet of greenery and mature tree canopy, creating a serene year-round environment for all to enjoy. Shopping, schools and public transit are nearby.
Common areas such as co-working spaces and shared lounges encourage social encounters among the residents and instil a sense of community.
“We offer more than just housing,” the Mellem website says. “Here, it’s a place where remote work co-exists with relaxation. Where workout sessions alternate with barbecue nights among neighbours.”
Like Maître Carré’s other Montréal residential developments under the Mellem brand name, Grace Dart offers several features that address today’s environmental concerns.
Of particular note are the waste and composting chutes on every floor. Low-flow toilets and fixtures form part of Grace Dart’s water management and rainwater recovery system. Plans calls for urban agriculture to be undertaken in the courtyard and on the white roof to reduce heat islands. Parking includes EV charging stations and 470 bicycle spaces with a repair/maintenance area.
Maître Carré is correct in boasting it has achieved more than the renovation an old building.
“Grace Dart Manor has now been given a fresh start—without losing sight of its roots. We brought it back to life. Responsibly. Inclusively. Meaningfully.”
As such, Grace Dart represents the potential of classic buildings finding new purpose in a modern world.
John Bleasby is a freelance writer. Send comments and Climate and Construction column ideas to [email protected].
