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Montréal City Hall

By : Beaupré Michaud en collaboration avec MU Architecture

GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN 18th edition

Discipline : Interior Design

Categories : Office / Office > 54,000 sq.ft. (> 5,000 sq. m.) : Gold certification

Categories : Education, Institution & Healthcare / Government & Civic Building : Grand Winner

Categories : Special Awards / Interior Design +Wood : Gold certification

Categories : Special Awards / Renovation (Before & After) : Grand Winner

Categories : Special Awards / Heritage Preservation : Gold certification

Restoration of Montreal's City Hall: Between Memory and Future

A strong symbol of Canadian municipal history, Montreal's City Hall (1872-1878) is the first building in the country designed exclusively for administrative functions. Rebuilt in 1925 after a major fire, it retains its original stone walls while being enhanced with an additional floor, consolidating its Second Empire architecture.

Spanning 7 years, from design to delivery, this heritage restoration project is one of the most ambitious in Quebec. Led by Beaupré Michaud et Associés, in collaboration with MU Architecture and several specialized experts, it combines historical preservation, functional modernization, and ecological performance.

The project highlights the original 22,700 m2 of space by encouraging natural light entry, opening circulation, and creating a public pathway through the iconic areas of the building: Hall of Honor, Council Chamber, Francophonie Salon, and Speech Balcony. The goal: to reconnect the city hall with its citizens.

The interior spaces have been reimagined to promote inclusion and democratic transparency: an open reception hall, modernized exchange counters, a press room, exhibition zones, family areas, and a café accessible to all. All in compliance with universal accessibility standards.

A new contemporary addition of brass and granite, located on the terrace, replaces an old temporary shelter. Its sober and elegant design integrates harmoniously with the existing building, while affirming the contemporary anchoring of the place, with a clear view of Mount Royal and downtown.

The upper floors, once partitioned, have been transformed into bright and flexible workspaces, integrating natural light, biophilia, acoustic comfort, and discreet technological equipment. In response to the pandemic, a greater variety of uses has been introduced: collaborative corners, relaxation areas, soundproofed or videoconferencing rooms.

The restoration is part of an ambitious sustainable approach, with the attainment of LEED v4.1 certification and a 79% reduction in energy consumption. The project highlights original materials, integrates high-performance systems, and relies on a nearly carbon-neutral strategy. Active mobility and green infrastructure complete the approach: lockers, showers, bicycle garages, and electric charging stations.

Finally, the restoration showcases traditional craftsmanship, with the restoration of 12,000 tonnes of stone and 169 historic windows. The trades of stone, metal, and wood were mobilized, valuing craftsmanship and ensuring its transmission.

This exemplary project restores all its prestige to the City Hall, which becomes a model of contemporary civic architecture, combining heritage, civic openness, and ecological innovation.

Collaboration

Architect : Beaupré Michaud et Associés, Architectes

Architect : MU Architecture

Engineering : NCK

Engineering : Martin Roy et Associés

General contractor : Pomerleau

Acoustics : Soft DB

Other : Gesfor

Other : Go Multimedia

Lighting : HLB Lighting Design

Industrial designer : David Gour

Other : JMCI