Construction begins in Guy-Metro Building

A major renovation project to overhaul Concordia's Guy-Metro (GM) Building begins January 31 with renovations to one side of the lobby.

During the first phase, expected to last until February 15, there will be no access to and from the GM Building via the Engineering, Computer Science and Visual Arts Integrated Complex (EV). Access to the GM building via the main entrance, 1550 De Maisonneuve Blvd.W., is unaffected until the second phase. The loading bay and elevator to the parking and Metro levels remain unaffected in both phases.

The second phase, from February 16 to 28, will see the other side of the lobby renovated. During this period, the main entrance on De Maisonneuve Blvd.W. will be closed. The EV Building access will be re-opened and serve as the entrance to the GM building. Construction will continue until April 4 with work on the lobby ceiling, during which time access to the building through both the main entrance and the EV Building will be restored.

The security desk will remain in the lobby throughout the renovations, though between phases, it will be shifted from one side of the lobby to the other to accommodate the work.

The renovations to the lobby are part of a larger project to overhaul the entire building that was built at the same time as the Montreal metro system in 1965-66.

Funded by the Ministère de l’Education, du Loisir et du Sport’s Plan quinquennal d’investissements universitaires, the overall $14-million project will increase the building’s energy efficiency, renew the infrastructure and improve the heating/cooling system.

The project, slated for completion in October of this year, also includes a new exterior that provides better insulation against the elements, a new roof and refurbished elevator cabins. When the building's exterior is replaced, it will be visually integrated with its neighbours, the EV and John Molson buildings, in the heart of Quartier Concordia.

An in-depth look at the entire GM Building project is coming soon. Watch NOW for updates.