A vibrant extension of downtown
The Quartier des Lumières, extending from downtown, is nestled in a dynamic area undergoing revitalization. The expansive site, formerly home to the iconic Radio-Canada tower for nearly 60 years, will reclaim its original purpose as a welcoming, accessible, and lively neighborhood.
An invitation to visit or stay.
*Design and construction of the park by the City of Montreal.
Driven by an innovative vision, this real estate development adheres to the highest standards of sustainability. The master plan emphasizes openness to a vibrant neighborhood life. Housing, retail spaces, and services at the base of the fully renovated tower will create a complete living environment, surrounded by green spaces, pedestrian walkways, and lively plazas—all just steps from essential amenities.
Located less than 900 meters from the Quartier des Spectacles and the Quai de l’Horloge in Old Montreal, and within walking distance of two metro stations, numerous bus routes, and several bike paths.
An invitation to visit or stay.
Driven by an innovative vision, this real estate development adheres to the highest standards of sustainability. The master plan emphasizes openness to a vibrant neighborhood life. Housing, retail spaces, and services at the base of the fully renovated tower will create a complete living environment, surrounded by green spaces, pedestrian walkways, and lively plazas—all just steps from essential amenities.
Located less than 900 meters from the Quartier des Spectacles and the Quai de l’Horloge in Old Montreal, and within walking distance of two metro stations, numerous bus routes, and several bike paths.
*Design and construction of the park by the City of Montreal.
The Neighborhood
Located at the foot of the Jacques-Cartier Bridge, the Quartier des Lumières is situated between René-Lévesque Boulevard, Viger Avenue, and Wolfe and Alexandre De Sève Streets in the Ville-Marie borough. This dynamic area, nestled on the edge of the Gay Village, is characterized by its modern architecture and well-organized urban layout.
Cultural hub
Spanning 2.5 million square feet, the Quartier des lumières is an iconic landmark in Montreal, highlighted by the renowned Radio-Canada tower.
Close to the Saint Lawrence River, this site attracts workers, residents, and tourists thanks to its proximity to major cultural institutions and convenient access.
Accessibility
The neighborhood is well-served by important roadways such as the Ville-Marie Highway and René-Lévesque Boulevard, along with two metro stations, Beaudry and Papineau.
Urban revitalization
The Quartier des Lumières aims to revitalize the fragmented urban landscape created by major road infrastructure projects in the 1970s. By re-establishing links between the Saint Lawrence River and the Centre-Sud, and rethinking connections to Downtown, this project seeks to breathe new life into this vibrant part of Montreal.
The neighborhood
Located at the foot of the Jacques-Cartier Bridge, the Quartier des Lumières lies between René-Lévesque Boulevard, Viger Avenue, and Wolfe and Alexandre De Sève streets in the Ville-Marie borough. This dynamic area, nestled on the border of the Village gai, is distinguished by its modern architecture and orderly urban grid.
Cultural epicenter
With a surface area of 2.5 million square feet, the Quartier des Lumières is an essential Montreal landmark, thanks in particular to the emblematic Radio-Canada tower. This site, close to the St. Lawrence River, attracts workers, residents and tourists thanks to its proximity to major cultural institutions and convenient access.
Accessibility
The neighborhood is well served by major roads such as Autoroute Ville-Marie and Boulevard René-Lévesque, as well as by two metro stations, Beaudry and Papineau.
Urban revitalization
The Quartier des Lumières aims to revitalize the urban fabric shattered in the 1970s by major road infrastructure projects. By re-establishing links between the St. Lawrence River and Centre-Sud, and rethinking connections to downtown, this project aims to breathe new life into this vibrant part of Montreal.
History
The Faubourg à M’lasse, once an industrial neighborhood in Montreal, has undergone significant transformations over the past few decades. Through phases of gentrification and decline, the area has seen the rise of new projects, including the Cité des Ondes, which have helped redefine its identity. Today, a revitalization is underway to make the Quartier des Lumières a connected and sustainable space, designed to serve its residents.
Once a dense, industrial working-class neighborhood in the late 1900s, Faubourg à M’lasse has undergone various phases of gentrification and decline, marked by the arrival of major industries and new transportation infrastructure along the river. During this time, the area that now forms the Quartier des Lumières thrived with a vibrant community life, featuring schools, community centers, local shops, and stacked housing.
Subsequent urban renovations led to a partial exodus of residents and significant fractures in the urban fabric. During this period, Radio-Canada sought to centralize its operations in one location. Supported by the municipal administration and the francophone business community eager to revitalize the city’s eastern economy, the organization chose the area bounded by Dorchester (now René-Lévesque), Craig, Papineau, and Wolfe Streets to establish its new headquarters.
The Cité des Ondes project, which includes the construction of Radio-Canada’s headquarters, resulted in the relocation of over 600 families and the demolition of numerous buildings. Inspired by brutalist and modernist movements, the original complex featured extensive surface and underground parking, along with a prominent hexagonal tower standing 105 meters tall.
Since its construction, the Radio-Canada site has gone through several development phases to reach its current configuration. In 2015, the Canadian government decided to relocate Radio-Canada's operations to a new complex better suited for modern digital work requirements. This building, located along Papineau Street, opened in 2020, consolidating all of the organization’s activities and facilities.
The historic site of Radio-Canada is currently undergoing a transformation to meet the needs of the City of Montreal as well as the expectations of existing residents and local stakeholders.
The redevelopment of the area began in September 2022 with the opening of the New Radio-Canada House.
The Quartier des Lumières will be a connected, sustainable neighborhood characterized by a strong sense of community; a place where urban design, human-scale development, vibrant streets, and cultural and public spaces converge to enhance the lives of the citizens who will bring it to life.