Jean-Talon Train Station

Built in 1931, this passenger station, amongst the most handsome Art-Deco structures in Montreal, served all trains to Quebec City, Ottawa and the Laurentians. It suffered a swift decline in post-war years. In 1983, the City of Montreal purchased the abandoned building. In 1996, Loblaws bought the property, and committed to its restoration and renovation.

EVOQ was mandated as the architects for the station, overseeing the restoration of the exterior and interior masonry, the roofs, windows, doors and extraordinary architectural metals. EVOQ also designed the upgrading work, (sprinklers, elevators, emergency staircases), so that the new work is seamlessly integrated with the original interiors.

Since Jean-Talon Station reopened in 2000,  it has been a bookstore; a liquor store; and now a clothing store. Each time its architecture provides a remarkable setting for the shopping experience.

“…The architects were able to meet a goal of historic preservation too often missed…: the conservation of the atmosphere and spaces of the original interior. When you walk into the new bookstore, you still have the impression that you are walking into the concourse of a handsome train station…”

David Theodore, The Gazette, Montreal, January 15th, 2000