Maisonneuve Library
The Maisonneuve Library occupies the former town hall of the old Cité Maisonneuve, now part of the Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve borough of Montreal. Originally built in 1912 in the Beaux-Arts style typical of public buildings of the period, the building is the work of architect Cajetan L. Dufort. Today, it is recognized for its exceptional heritage value.
A program to renovate and expand the building was initiated by the City of Montreal in 2017 with the launch of a multi-disciplinary design competition. EVOQ, in partnership with Dan Hanganu Architects, were ultimately awarded the project. The jury commended the design team for the quality of the triple-height spaces surrounding the heritage building and for preserving the site’s urban presence in keeping with the values of the City Beautiful movement. The project involved rehabilitating the existing library, restoring the characteristic features of the historic interiors and the masonry envelope of the original building, while adding 2,069 m² contemporary extension.
The new library is perfectly suited to its social and community vocations, providing a place for meeting and socializing through a multitude of activities linked to making, creating and sharing knowledge. Today, the Maisonneuve Library’s architecture forms a coherent and dynamic whole that proposes a trajectory of renewal for this essential place where heritage and contemporary elements combine.
City of Montreal
Anne-Catherine Richard
Civiliti
NCK
Pageau Morel
Award of Excellence
Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals (CAHP)
National Urban Design Award, Urban Design Category
Royal Architectural Institute of Canada
Quebec Library and Archival Centers Architecture Prize
Fédération des milieux documentaires
Expected certification : LEED® Gold
In keeping with the City of Montreal’s sustainability targets, namely with respect to the Quebec Government's climate action plan, and a plan to reduce emissions from the Montreal region specifically, the project targeted LEED® Silver certification (pending) and employed NET ZERO standards for the new building infrastructure. The building is in effect, operationally zero carbon. The project also features a 1300m2 of front landscape, installations to capture rainwater, and rooftop garden to host urban agriculture activities.
