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A distinctive architectural style

 

The Plateau Mont-Royal neighborhood is well known for its townhouses and high exterior staircases. At the turn of the 20th century, to cope with the rapid population growth in this borough, these staircases were built for specific reasons. These stairs connected the units of our first Montreal duplexes and triplexes. So, to save indoor living space, they were built outside. Today, these exterior stairs have become a symbol of the Plateau Mont-Royal neighborhood.

Dating back to this period, it’s interesting to note that a new municipal by-law required these buildings to be built with fire-retardant party walls. These were to be no more than 25 feet apart. Hence the architectural regularity that is still omnipresent today.

Most of the buildings on Plateau Mont-Royal have been preserved in their original architectural style by elected officials. The initial construction of this district was completed in 1914. Thanks to the protection of this heritage, strolling through the neighborhood is like going back in time.

Neighborhood lifestyle

 

The Plateau Mont-Royal is known for having developed through several waves of European immigration (Greek, Portuguese, French…). These waves began after the Second World War. Recently, the majority of French immigrants seem to have settled around Mont-Royal Avenue. Some have even renamed it “Nouvelle France”. If this neighborhood is very popular with French and Europeans, it’s because of its “small village” feel, with everything you need close at hand (coffee shops, restaurants, bars, urban shops, parks…).

The Plateau Mont-Royal is a lively borough, especially on avenue Mont-Royal, the neighborhood’s central thoroughfare. Today, Plateau Mont-Royal has a population of roughly 100,000, with the youngest average age in Montreal.

Building issues

 

Most buildings on the Plateau have rubble stone foundations. If they are solid, you need to be very careful before insulating them from the inside. Without certain precautions, such as ensuring a perfect exterior seal, you could end up with serious consequences due to freezing and thawing.

Another problem with houses in this neighborhood, but more widely throughout Montreal, is the presence of asbestos. This substance, which is harmful to health when dismantled, is found in plaster linings. At ESPÉ, before every renovation project, we test for the presence of asbestos, in which case we proceed with decontamination.

Thermal insulation was absent when these buildings were built. That’s why it’s a good idea to redo the insulation when you renovate. You’ll save on your electric bill and your living comfort.

Homes on the Plateau Mont-Royal have sometimes (often!) been poorly renovated in the past. Carrying its working-class past, they have sometimes suffered from under-maintenance or structural deterioration. The charming, uneven floors frequently found in this area are usually the result of structural design problems or haphazard modifications, as well as loose soil or the consequences of the construction of the subway tunnels in the 1960s.

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The Plateau Mont-Royal renovation style and benefits

 

Renovating a building can be a major investment. In fact, if you need to revise or redo the structure, the building envelope, the fenestration…you’ll need expert help, and that comes at a cost, so it’s best to choose carefully.

It’s not unusual to receive requests to create a roof extension. However, it must be set back from the street, so as not to be visible and visually alter the building’s façade. The addition must also occupy a maximum of 40% of the roof area. 

Conversely, the basement can be converted by digging out a full height to significantly increase living space. 

All these renovations come at a cost, but with the assurance of an excellent return on your investment.

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