The City of Longueuil has appointed the partnership of Montoni and Sid Lee Architecture for the development of a new congress center. This project, titled “Espace Longueuil,” aims to create a vibrant hub in the vicinity of the metro station.
Espace Longueuil Project Overview
The Espace Longueuil initiative includes several key features:
- A main congress hall accommodating up to 1,500 people.
- An approximately 200-room hotel.
- A residential building offering around 620 rental units, with 20% set aside for non-profit housing.
- About 50,000 square feet dedicated to commercial and office spaces.
Site and Contractual Details
The site for the Espace Longueuil project is strategically located at the intersection of Saint-Charles and Charles-LeMoyne streets. This land is the last available plot owned by the city near the metro station and the regional bus terminal.
Longueuil plans to sell the land to Montoni at its fair market value, with contractual agreements expected to be finalized by February 2027. Additionally, the city must negotiate financial terms for the use of certain office and meeting spaces within the complex by local community organizations.
Projected Timeline
If all goes as planned, construction on the Espace Longueuil complex is set to begin in 2027. The aim is to deliver the project in one complete phase by 2030.
Community Impact and Vision
Longueuil’s mayor, Catherine Fournier, expressed her enthusiasm for the project, highlighting its potential to achieve multiple urban goals. She noted that, as the fifth largest city in Quebec, Longueuil lacks a significant gathering space. The Espace Longueuil project will address this gap while also providing affordable hotel accommodations and much-needed rental housing.
Fournier emphasized the city’s vision of creating a complete living environment, where residents can both work and shop locally.
Feedback from Partners
Montoni, while finalizing project details, has expressed pride in collaborating with Longueuil. Roula Abi-Ghanem, Vice President of Project Development at Montoni, highlighted the unique potential of this site to deliver a comprehensive community-centered project.
Meanwhile, Jean Pelland, Managing Partner at Sid Lee Architecture, described the proposal as a multifaceted complex that could serve as a landmark in the developed area surrounding the metro station. He emphasized the intention to integrate commercial spaces and communal areas that benefit both future complex users and local residents.
This ambitious project represents a significant investment in Longueuil’s future, aiming to create a dynamic urban space that meets diverse community needs.
