Ritz-Carlton Montréal

Country Canada
City Montréal
Client Les Investissements Mirelis
Surface area 43,000 m²
Year 2012

The transformation and expansion project of the prestigious Ritz-Carlton Montréal aims to restore its reputation as one of the most illustrious institutions in Canada for over half a century, and most importantly, to reposition it as the leading hotel in Montréal.

The project, with a total area of 43,000 m², included renovation of the historic hotel’s 130 original rooms and its public spaces, as well as a 12,500 m² expansion to integrate 45 luxury residences, including three two-storey units at the penthouse level.

General exterior view of the Ritz-Carlton Montreal

Inaugurated in 1912, the Ritz-Carlton is the only great luxury hotel in Montréal to have survived to the present day without changing vocation. Famous for its façades and its elegant Adam-style interiors, the hotel is one of the gems of Montreal architecture. Yet, despite its undeniable qualities, the Ritz-Carlton no longer responded to touristic demand, which has been undergoing profound changes over the last number of years.

One of the major challenges of the project was to integrate the new residential wing without either mimicking or over shadowing the unique character of the existing building. Following the inspiration of architects such as Pei (the pyramid at the Louvre) and Foster (the cupola on the Reichstag), Provencher_Roy opted for a glass-and-steel envelope that evokes the geometry and rhythm of the 1912 façade, while making an outstanding and resolutely contemporary statement. Similarly, the two new stories were built set back from the façade to preserve the architectural lines of the cornice.

The architects had to design this wing for the only space still available on the site: along the building’s west façade, above a garage dating from the 1930s. A two-storey volume was also to be added on the roof of the historic building. “ It is very tricky to alter an existing structure. We had to reinforce that structure and come up with very imaginative ways to integrate the new electro-mechanical systems.”

“Our credo was to respect the identity of this remarkable building while imagining a way to expand it that would enhance its value.”

The new condominiums have a separate entrance on Sherbrooke Street, leading to a spacious and bright lobby. A doorman ensures day and night security. The new condominiums can be accessed by elevators exclusively for resident’s use. These elevators have privileged access to various services and facilities of the Ritz-Carlton (catering, spa, exercise room, underground parking).