MONTREAL—Montreal’s Societe du parc Jean-Drapeau has announced a two-year plan to convert the Helene-de-Champlain heritage building, located in Parc Jean-Drapeau on St. Helen’s Island, into a high-end event rental complex.
Construction for the project will begin in 2017, with the opening scheduled for 2019, indicates the societe media statement issued Nov. 2. The societe will receive $10 million in funding from the City of Montreal to finish the stalled building renovations.
The project includes architectural and structural work, electromechanics, decorating, finishing and architectural landscaping. It is intended that a general public aspect, which is yet to be determined, will make the Helene-de-Champlain building, built in 1938 and most recently used as a restaurant, accessible to the public at all times.
The island was the site of Expo 67. Initially designed to be a sports pavilion, the building was designed by Emile Daoust to resemble a Norman chateau, and the grounds were landscaped by Frederick Todd. It was turned over to the city in 1942. In 1966, the structure was renovated as the official residence for Expo 67’s commissioner-general, Pierre Dupuy. French President Charles de Gaulle dined there after his "Vive le Quebec libre" speech.
According to the proposed concept, the Helene-de Champlain will offer four rental halls with a total area of 1,441 square metres of space, with a capacity to accommodate 800 people seated or 1,500 in a cocktail setting.
"This magnificent heritage building will finally have a new life, and that is outstanding news," said Daniele Henkel, the chair of the societe’s board of directors, in a statement.
"When I arrived as the board chair of the societe in 2015, I announced we were going to find an alternative use for this building, which had been closed since 2009. The investment being announced today will result in finishing the building renovations and being able to use it, as well as giving access to the public to this heritage jewel."
Based on the analyses conducted by the firm Secor/KPMG, the Helene-de-Champlain will be able to generate income from its first year of operation, and this would cover the operating costs. The Societe will manage the building once the construction is completed.
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