The latest addy finds itself on a historical street in the heart of a vibrant, culturally-rich city. addy is returning to Montreal for its second investment in Quebec, one similar in nature to the first yet still special in its own right.
The plan for 2048 St-Denis St. is to renovate a 24-room boutique hotel, transforming it into a 26-room modern smart hotel. The concept for this is in line with the property at 874 Sherbrooke and involves the same GP. Sherbrooke is a major thoroughfare through Montreal, but St-Denis is a special street in the history of the city with a bright future ahead.
Rue Saint-Denis in Montreal
Rue Saint-Denis is north-south artery through the heart of Montreal, a lengthy avenue that passes through various neighbourhoods including Ville-Marie, Le Plateau-Mont-Royal, Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie, Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension, and Ahuntsic-Cartierville. The street features a mix of commercial and residential properties with stone townhouses, bohemian art galleries, charming boutiques and plenty of places to eat and drink, inside and out.
History of Rue Saint-Denis
The street opened sometime in the early 19th century, evolving over time as it was extended and society changed. For much of the 19th century, the elite of French Canadian society resided there; by the end of the century, St-Denis reached Sherbrooke St. (right near boutique hotel’s current location) and began transforming into a more commercial street.
With proximity to university and bookstores, the street was a beacon for intellectuals in the 20th century and became a destination for academics and artists alike. Heading towards the 21st century, it was an eclectic mix of education, art, architecture, culture and retail with residents and tourists in equal measure streaming to this popular street. However, its vibrancy began to wane in recent years, only made worse by the pandemic.
Rue Saint-Denis rejuvenation
In 2020, it was estimated that one in five storefronts sat empty on the street in a one-kilometre section north of Sherbrooke St. This situation was not exclusive to just St-Denis. Montreal on the whole was seeing about 15%, or 1,000, street-level retail spaces empty.
However, a recent recovery plan was announced by Mayor Valérie Plante, with $1.3 million going towards rejuvenation of St-Denis St. The goal is to bring more people to the street and keep them there, with money directed at helping businesses thrive in a changing world while adding attractive artwork, street furniture and new lighting and landscaping to the area.
There are also plans in place for more special events, including a monthly gourmet weekend held on Saturdays starting in September.
This all comes on the heels of a new bike lane that opened in November to support the city’s growing cycling community. Recently, residents gathered on the street to honour “Bicycle Bob,” Robert Silverman, co-founder of Monde à bicyclette (MAB), who died on February 20. The passionate activist advocated for protection for cyclists for decades and is credited with helping to make Montreal one of the most cycle-friendly cities in North America.
addy on Rue Saint-Denis
The historic and attractive location of the latest addy is just one of many reasons we’re excited for the opportunity. Not only does the street itself both have fascinating history, its current proximity to cultural institutions, tourist attractions, green spaces, restaurant and retail makes it a terrific spot for a hotel.
If you’re interested in investing in this addy and any others that come down the line, whether in Montreal or elsewhere in Canada, you have to become a member. Sign up today, fund your wallet and get ready for the drop to be part of something special.
