The transformation project for this heritage building in downtown Montreal made it possible to house the new Entrepreneurship and Innovation Pavilion of UQAM’s School of Management Sciences, through an approach focused on sustainability and targeting LEED Silver certification.
The work included the partial demolition of floors in the existing structure, the preservation and restoration of heritage masonry facades, vertical expansion through the addition of two storeys, the construction of three new storeys in the former outdoor courtyard, and the development of a partial basement built on top of the existing foundation beneath the old building, connected to the campus tunnel network.
The building now features 17 classrooms, state-of-the-art laboratories, collaborative spaces and a terrace overlooking downtown Montreal, offering a modern and stimulating learning environment.
Rebuilding with precision: Where advanced technology meets structure
CIMA+ carried out the preliminary studies, design and supervision of the work in structural engineering, civil engineering, environmental engineering and 3D scanning. The team also handled seismic retrofitting, façade stabilization, and BIM modelling based on laser surveys and drone scans. This technology enabled the precise analysis of façade verticality, the design of tailored stabilization solutions, and facilitated interdisciplinary coordination.
Balancing heritage preservation with modern performance
The building’s heritage status presented a major challenge, requiring in-depth expertise in building envelopes as well as a seismic retrofit study. The 3D survey generated a point cloud integrated into the BIM model, ensuring maximum accuracy for the restoration of the façades.
A hybrid structural concept was developed to preserve heritage elements of interest while replacing structural components that had reached the end of their useful life. This approach allowed UQAM to gain over 50% more floor space, while ensuring the building complies with the latest performance standards.
The complexity of the project, stemming from its location in the heart of an active campus and the scale of the structural work, was managed through rigorous logistical planning, including safety measures, uninterrupted access and coordination with other construction sites in the area.
Finally, sustainability goals were supported by optimizing the thermal performance of the building envelope, using locally sourced materials with a low environmental impact.