Brivia Group’s 1 Square Phillips will be Montreal’s tallest residential tower at 61 storeys. (Courtesy Brivia)

Brivia Group plans to build Montreal’s tallest residential tower, the $400-million, 61-storey 1 Square Phillips, as part of a phased billion-dollar development in the city’s downtown.

As part of the Montreal of the Future exhibit which begins today and runs until June 2, Brivia released the first architectural drawings of the project. The first tower will comprise more than 500 residential units, with an upscale hotel to be added to the project at a later date.

This is Brivia Group’s fifth major project in Montreal, including the YUL Condominium and QuinzeCent.

1 Square Phillips will be built between Place Phillips and Saint Alexandre Streets, in the block bordered by Sainte Catherine Street and René Lévesque Boulevard. The site is currently a parking lot.

“Downtown Montreal is being transformed, with a focus on residential real estate development, and Brivia Group is pleased to be a part of this process,” said Kheng Ly, founder, president and CEO of Brivia Group, in a release announcing the project.

“More than ever, Montrealers are keen to live in this district. We are targeting local, business and foreign buyers. We believe we can offer them a product that meets their expectations and specific needs.

“It’s a unique project and we’ll go all out to ensure it is our best achievement so far.”

The three-phase project is part of efforts to revitalize this sector of downtown Montreal by welcoming 789 new residents when it’s complete. It’s designed to augment nearby business and redevelopment efforts on Sainte Catherine Street.

The site is also a crossroads between the business district, Montreal’s shopping district, McGill University and Place des Festivals.

Brivia purchased the property in the spring of 2018 from Canderel Group. Several years ago, a mixed-use office and retail tower was proposed for the site, but that project never got off the ground.

When it was purchased by Brivia, broker JLL touted 1201-1215 Phillips Square as an “exceptional development opportunity” due to its location and the fact it was already zoned for 925,000 square feet, or more, of density.

Phillips Square targets varied clientele

Brivia Group believes a varied clientele will be attracted by the numerous residential and mixed-use projects in the area:

* professionals who want to live closer to where they work;

* active retirees who want to trade a single-family home for a condo;

* new Canadians who want to make their home downtown,

* and international buyers.

Brivia says Airbnb-style rentals will not be allowed in the building.

The project has a gross surface area of 1,313,000 square feet, with its above-ground surface area comprising 1,076,000 square feet.

The tower will include a mix of studios, one- and two-bedroom unites, penthouses and super-penthouses. Unit sizes will range from 390 to 5,000 square feet.

Super-penthouses will be located on the 60th floor, starting at 4,000 square feet.

At 220 metres above sea level and with its nine-cornered architectural geometry, 1 Phillips Square will feature unique corner units among its offerings.

1 Square Phillips by Brivia Group will be located just off the busy Sainte Catherine Street corridor in downtown Montreal. (Courtesy Brivia)

Amenities at Phillips Square

Amenities include about 10,000 square feet of common areas on the 50th floor, including an outdoor patio. There will be lockers for Amazon-type parcels (some refrigerated), a pool, water features, spa, gym, yoga studio, lounge and juice bar.

In total, common areas will comprise about 42,000 square feet.

There will be a covered drop-off area and three levels of underground parking, with 165 spots (in Phase 1 only).

The location on Phillips Square means this residential tower will be the same height as Place Ville Marie. The views of downtown and the surrounding area from the various units will be among the best in Montreal, Brivia says.

“We designed 1 Square Phillips for residents who are seeking a lively, hip experience of downtown Montreal and its entertainment district, while enjoying an intimate, private setting,” said Anik Shooner and Jean-Pierre LeTourneux, lead architects and partners, Menkès Shooner Dagenais LeTourneux, in the release.

“Upon entering the interior garden, a true oasis in the heart of the project, you’ll be filled with a feeling of calm. Residents will have access to one of the tallest buildings in the city, affording breathtaking views of the river, the mountain and Greater Montreal.

“We have taken advantage of this rare opportunity to invest in an enclave with no buildings to create a peaceful environment and a garden against a magnificent backdrop.”

Garden and landscaping

The interior garden and landscaping has been designed by architect Claude Cormier of Claude Cormier and associates.

“The landscape architecture of 1 Square Phillips is a world unto itself, a tribute to the history of Phillips Square while at the same time integrating the latest designs,” said Cormier.

“The interior garden, which will feature a combination of bonsai and evergreens, will pay tribute to King Edward VII and to fashion on Sainte Catherine Street. It will have a unique signature that creates a feeling of well-being in a vibrant urban setting.” 

Phillips Square will help bring the neighbourhood full circle in terms of development. The area was a lively residential neighbourhood in the 19th century before it was transformed into a shopping destination.

The shopping district itself is already seeing a number of redevelopments, including the transformation of Birks, The Bay and the arrival of Time Out Market, which is expected to become a hot spot for foodies.

Brivia Group plans to begin construction in 2020, with occupation of the first phase in 2024. The condominium units will start at $295,900.

About Brivia Group

Founded in Montreal in 2000, Brivia Group is a real estate development and investment firm with a growing number of projects in the region. Its subsidiary Brivia Management offers integrated professional services in development management.

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