Eaton’s Store Le 9e

Following its classification by Quebec’s Ministry of Culture and Communications, Le 9e’s owners, Ivanhoe Cambridge sought EVOQ’s expertise to develop a conservation strategy for the space in anticipation of an eventual new use. At the end of this close collaboration that began in 2001, Le 9e’s reopening as a vibrant restaurant and event venue required meticulously planned interventions to meet current health, safety, and user comfort standards. The carefully integrated modifications are practically invisible to the naked eye.

Reviving Carlu’s vision is at the heart of the conservation project. Based on period photographs and investigations performed on site, each original component was carefully cleaned, repaired or, in some cases, reproduced by specialized artisans. The goal was to highlight and preserve Le 9e’s rich character—at once traditional, modern and exotic—qualities for which it has been cherished since 1931.

EVOQ assembled a multidisciplinary team of specialists to restore and rehabilitate Le 9e’s heritage interiors. After evaluating the existing condition of the building and its character-defining elements, our team developed a conservation strategy to restore the restaurant to its former glory while preserving its immense heritage value.

Our architects were responsible for coordinating the large team of experts in art, furniture and materials conservation; mechanical, electrical and structural engineering; architectural lighting; food services; scenography and acoustics.

Historic components such as the marble columns, plaster reliefs, frescoes and alabaster urns were meticulously restored. Where required, flooring and wall fabrics were also refinished and marble surfaces were repaired. Doors, trim, decorative grilles, railings and lighting fixtures made of Monel, a distinctive metal used in the Art Deco period, were retained even while the ventilation and electrical systems were upgraded. A detailed analysis of the multiple layers of existing paint in the main spaces also made it possible to restore the color palette of the 1930s. Along with reintegrating some of the original furniture, all these measures were aimed at reinstating Jacques Carlu’s harmonious decorative scheme.

Architect, historic building : Jacques Carlu (1890-1976)

 

Structure : NCK

Mechanical and electrical : BPA

Industrial Health and Safety : Xenobios

Lighting : Gabriel Mackinnon Lighting Design

Acoustics : M J M Conseillers en Acoustique Inc.

Conservator, furniture : Fabienne Torro

Conservator, marble : Trevor Gillingwater

Conservator, metals : Edmund Bowkett

 

General contractor: Avicor

Ornamental plasters : Groupe Surmesure

Restoration, marble : Carrelage Casco Inc.

Restoration, frescoes, basins, metals, doors: DL Heritage Inc.

Decorative finishes: Marie-France Kech

 

Photographer : Maxime Brouillet