Brossard: $ 1.3 billion and the highest tower on the South Shore

One of the largest real estate projects in Quebec is growing further. Initially valued at $ 1 billion in private investments, the TOD Solar Uniquartier neighborhood project in Brossard has been re-evaluated at $ 1.3 billion and will include the highest tower on the South Shore.

The project aims at creating a large neighborhood focused on active public transportation in front of the DIX30, hence the acronym TOD (transit oriented development). Ultimately, it will contain 2600 housing units, office spaces, two hotels, shops and a large public square.

It will also be connected to the station of the Metropolitan Electric Network (REM) that the Caisse expects to build at this location.

Devimco now plans to build a 31-storey tower with 245 rental units. In addition to becoming the tallest tower on the South Shore, it will be the largest residential rental project in the last 40 years according to Serge Goulet, the president of the developer Devimco. “We even added one more floor to make sure we hit the record!”, he joked at a press conference.

Devimco is the same company that built the DIX30.

The Minister of Health and MP for Brossard, Gaétan Barrette, was present for the official ceremony. He strongly shares the Mr. Goulet’s vision.

A second hotel and “foodies”

Last year, Devimco had already announced that a hotel would be built on the site. Goulet announced on Friday that Marriott will establish its Courtyard chain at Solar Uniquartier.

This second hotel will contain 184 rooms and conference halls for a total of approximately 1,000 people.

Devimco also agreed with Jacques Nantel, Professor Emeritus of HEC Montréal, to create an artery dedicated to “foodies”- shops that will favor local and organic products.

Ten times more requests

One of the first residential buildings will consist of 125 condos. According to Mr. Goulet, the demand is already strong: about 1500 people have come forward to get a condo. The building should be delivered in 2020.

Mr. Goulet did not specify the number of rental applications, it will be available later.

The businessman emphasizes that his project will exceed by 60% the Metropolitan Planning and Development Plan on increasing the density of the area. It requires a density of 80 homes per hectare of a neighborhood. Solar Uniquartier expects to 130 per hectare.

Unions invest

Devimco also announced the participation of the Fonds de solidarité FTQ and Fondaction CSN in the project. “This mixed-use real estate project, which will promote public transit and local services within an eco-district, will undoubtedly have positive social benefits, contribute to the fight against climate change and support economic development in the region, in particular job creation.” said Léopold Beaulieu, Chief Executive Officer of Fondaction.

The first office tower, named Place de la Gare, will open next year. Devimco plans to complete all phases of Solar Uniquartier over a period of approximately 10 years.

Source: HuffingtonPost