Devimco has broken ground on the first of two towers which will comprise the Sir Charles Condominiums at its downtown Longueuil mixed-use development. (Courtesy Devimco)

Devimco Immobilier has broken ground on the first phase of a major transit-oriented redevelopment at the site of the City of Longueuil’s downtown core and the Université-de-Sherbrooke métro station in Greater Montreal.

The development will become the largest in the history of Longueuil and has increased in scope and value from its original estimate of $500 million when announced about a year ago, to $800 million today. The first two towers will become the Sir Charles Condominiums, along with commercial lower extensions (known as basilaires).

In a subsequent phase, Devimco Immobilier will build two 22-storey rental housing towers that will overlook the basilaire above the current métro station, one of the busiest in the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) network.

“Our project’s two sites will enable us to create a true synergy between the various components in order to develop a superior-quality living environment for future residents, workers and visitors,” said Serge Goulet, Devimco’s president, in the announcement Tuesday morning. “This is a highly strategic sector for public transit and mobility.

“With the bus terminal, the métro station and the REM or tramway project, our development will be located at the heart of Québec’s largest TOD.”

The Charles-le Moyne development

When completed, the entire project will include the construction of 1,612 housing units (approximately 1,200 housing units were originally planned). It will offer a total area of 1.6 million square feet.

Today’s groundbreaking is for the first of the two condo towers. Located on a portion of a parking lot not far from Place Charles-Le Moyne, it will feature 336 units on 25 floors. A swimming pool and indoor Nordic spa will be located on the roof, offering views of the Jacques-Cartier Bridge and the Eastern Townships region.

“After 30 years of developing mixed-use projects at Devimco, we believe in the City of Longueuil’s very bold vision for the development of its downtown area and are proud to contribute to it, starting with construction of the Sir Charles Condominiums phase,” Goulet said in the release.

The name Sir Charles Condominiums is a tribute to Charles Le Moyne, Longueuil’s founder and the first seigneur of the territory.

Features of the Sir Charles condos

The design is inspired by the urban character of New York City neighbourhoods such as Brooklyn Borough and the Meatpacking District.

A rendering of Devimco’s $800-million development in downtown Longueuil in Greater Montreal. (Courtesy Devimco)

“At street level, a mineralized basilaire incorporating brick will reflect this eclectic architecture with warmth. At the top, the first tower will be of glass and metal and will feature an iconic signature, while being discreet enough to enhance the pedestrian experience,” the release states.

For teleworkers, Sir Charles will offer three home office configurations designed by Québec-based designer-manufacturer Artopex. Collaborative work spaces will be available in the building’s lounge-style lobby.

“The launch of this major project is a giant step forward in the development of downtown Longueuil,” said Longueuil mayor Sylvie Parent in the announcement.

“After many years of work and planning, we are starting to realize a vision that will not only create new living, working and entertainment environments in a complex connected directly to public transit, but will also forever change our city’s configuration.”

The project is not the only one in the neighbourhood. Developer LSR GesDev launched NOVIA, a $105-million mixed-use project, about two months ago.

With its JV partner Fonds immobilier de solidarité FTQ and private investors, LSR will build the 20-storey project at 300 Place Charles-Le Moyne. It will house 273 rental units and 28,000 square feet of commercial and office space.

Construction is slated to start this summer.

About Devimco and its developments

Based in Brossard in Greater Montreal, Devimco Immobilier focuses on the execution of large real estate projects, in particular lifestyle and TOD complexes that blend commercial, business, leisure and housing components.

Some of its major projects include:

– District Griffin, a massive mixed-use district which it has been developing since 2005;

– SOLAR Uniquartier, Québec’s largest TOD project;

– Square Children’s, a new flagship project at the western edge of Montréal’s downtown core;

– the MAA Condominiums & Penthouses on Peel Street;

– Maestria Condominiums, the largest mixed-use residential project ever built in Montréal, in the Quartier des Spectacles;

– the Auguste & Louis Condominiums, which marks the first phase of the Quartier des lumières, at the former Maison Radio-Canada building.

–  and the Wellington sur le Bassin condos, at the corner of Wellington and De la Montagne streets.

– With files and background from Danny Kucharsky