Maison Alcan, Heritage building complex in Golden Square Mile, Montreal, Canada
Maison Alcan is a building complex in Montreal that brings together multiple restored houses from the 1800s, including Atholstan House, Berkeley Hotel, and Holland House. These structures are connected through modern aluminum linking elements that coexist harmoniously with the older facades.
The complex took shape in the 1980s when a mining company chose to preserve the neighborhood's old villas and hotels instead of demolishing them. This approach marked a turning point in Montreal's development, where new construction typically meant tearing down old structures.
The former headquarters shows how major corporations shaped Montreal by repurposing historic buildings as symbols of their presence. The way these separate houses were joined together reveals how large companies used architecture to express their influence.
The location features a public atrium and café areas that allow for open exploration. It sits easily within the Golden Square Mile district and works well for a self-guided visit.
The Berkeley Hotel functions as the main gateway and leads through hidden passages to the other houses that would otherwise stand separate. Visitors often discover they have walked through multiple buildings without realizing they were exploring a connected structure.
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