Renovating a heritage building in Montréal: what owners should know
Renovation · October 18, 2026 · 1 min read
Montréal’s older buildings are full of character — and surprises. Lessons from Maison Bishop, a 140-year-old building we rebuilt from its foundations while restoring its 1800s woodwork.
Downtown Montréal is full of grey-stone and red-brick buildings that are more than a century old. Bringing one back to life can create a remarkable space — but it is a different kind of project from a fit-out in a modern tower.
Start with what is behind the walls
Before any design is final, open up and investigate: foundations, structure, roof, water damage, old wiring and plumbing. In older buildings, the condition of what you cannot see sets the budget. At Maison Bishop, a 17,000 sq ft former hostel, four floors had to be taken back to the structure and new foundations installed while keeping the building stable.
Check the approvals early
Some buildings and sectors in Montréal carry heritage protections or extra architectural review, and exterior changes may need approval before a permit is issued. Ask your architect and the borough early what applies to your address — it can affect the timeline as much as the construction itself.
Decide what to keep
The best heritage projects choose carefully what to restore and what to replace. At Maison Bishop we restored the original 1800s wood carvings and paired them with a modern, minimalist interior of glass partitions and contemporary millwork.
Modernize everything you cannot see
Old buildings need new systems to work today: plumbing from the sewer up, electrical panels, HVAC, insulation, windows and a sound roof. At Maison Bishop, about 95% of the building was renewed — new roof, windows, plumbing, electrical on every floor and new HVAC.
Plan for surprises
Budget a contingency and expect discoveries. A contractor experienced with older buildings will price the risk honestly instead of hiding it.
Thinking about renovating an older building in Montréal? We would be glad to visit the site with you — the first consultation is free.