This is no ordinary project: we’re talking about a complete transformation of a 1930s heritage building into a modern, ready-to-live-in residential community right in the heart of East Montréal. It’s been an architectural, human, and logistical challenge we’re proud to share—and one we tackled alongside trusted partners: TGTA and Maître Carré as co-developers, Provencher Roy and blanchette archi.design in architecture and design, and GERPRO on construction. A talented and passionate team, through and through.
Honouring the past, shaping the present
At the heart of the project lies a striking building: the Grace Dart Manor, which served Montréal’s population for decades. Instead of starting from scratch, we took a different route—one of preservation, restoration, and thoughtful expansion. The original roofline, textured brick, and signature window rhythm of its neo-Georgian architecture were all preserved and subtly woven into the final design, creating a dialogue between eras.
Alongside the restored heritage structure, a brand-new residential complex was added, carefully echoing the original architectural language. You don’t need to be an expert to see how naturally it all fits together.
Modern homes designed for today (and tomorrow)
Studios, 1-bed, 2-bed, and 3-bed units, each floorplan was created with comfort in mind. Fully equipped kitchens, private balconies or terraces, plenty of natural light, and flexible spaces for remote work or relaxing. Every detail was considered to make life at home feel good, no matter the unit.
And because life happens beyond four walls, we designed a suite of shared spaces to enrich your daily experience:
- Rooftop terrace and outdoor pool
- Gym, sauna, and multi-purpose room
- Coworking spaces
- Shared lounges
- Landscaped public courtyard
From heritage landmark to vibrant living space.
Built differently, to last
At Mellem, we don’t just build housing, we build living environments. That means thinking long term, from sustainability to social impact to neighbourhood integration. Grace Dart is a bold example of the vision we want to share with our future residents.
And we walk the talk, here’s a snapshot of some of the concrete actions we’ve taken on the environmental side:
- Waste management from the construction phase: sorting, signage, tracking, on-site training
- Participation in Recyc-Québec’s waste traceability program
- Composting available on every floor
- Efficient water management (low-flow toilets and fixtures, rainwater recovery)
- Durable, thoughtfully selected materials (low-VOC paints, EnergyStar appliances)
- Energy efficiency beyond code
- EV charging stations and 470 bicycle spaces with repair/maintenance area
- Urban agriculture in the courtyard and white roof to reduce heat islands
- Always strategically located: near public transit, bike paths, and major arteries to reduce car reliance
We also went above and beyond on the social side to create a welcoming, community-driven place to live:
- Preservation of a heritage building emblematic of this corner of Montréal
- Proactive communication with residents via a dedicated building app and private tenant-only group
- Events, animation, and shared spaces designed to spark connection (and yes, a future on-site business that’s sure to delight the whole neighbourhood!)
In short: we did more than renovate an old building, we brought it back to life. Responsibly. Inclusively. Meaningfully. And now, it’s ready for you.
Proud, together
The project even received a special mention from the Conseil du patrimoine de Montréal, recognizing the quality of the restoration and the strength of our overall vision in their most recent newsletter. But our greatest reward? Hearing someone walk through the doors for the first time and say: “It already feels like home.”
Want to learn more? Come by for a visit, our team will be happy to walk you through your future home.
