Originally built in 1894 on Phillips Square for Henry Birks’s jewellery store, and designed by Montréal architect Edward Maxwell, Birks building underwent numerous modifications and alterations over the years, leading to poor conditions that threatened its preservation. After two years of construction, NEUF architect(e)s remodelled the jewellery store into a boutique hotel.
Hotelier Jean Salette purchased the building in 2016 and lead a team of professionals to transform and restore the building into a luxurious boutique hotel. The renovation includes an elegant French brasserie, all while preserving its original prestige.
Partner architect Anh Le Quang and Marion Thiébaux from NEUF architect(e)s worked with designer Nicole Vekemans to emphasize the character of this historic building.
“Giving new life to this unique landmark that has been part of Montréal’s urban landscape for almost 125 years is an accomplishment we are very proud of. These major restoration efforts not only renew the building’s function but also make it more accessible to the public,” said Marion Thiébaux
The architects sought to conserve existing historical elements while updating the building systems to correct deficiencies. To accommodate the building’s new use, a specialized sprinkler system was installed to preserve the original plaster mouldings adorning the ceiling.
Storefront windows that had been replaced or partially obstructed over time were refurbished, and obsolete mechanical rooms and vaults were converted into a spa.
A previous business office space that occupied the upper floors was converted into 132 hotel rooms, with a two-storey glass volume crowning the building.
Existing columns were carefully integrated into the plans of the room layout giving each space a distinctive quality.
The new restaurant, Henri Brasserie Française, developed by Jean Salette in collaboration with l’Atelier Zébulon Perron, occupies a portion of the ground floor facing the Square.