A spring awakening for Quartier Concordia
Pedestrians strolling by Place Norman-Bethune, with its granite walkways, picturesque wooden benches and surrounding greenery — implemented in 2010 as Phase 1 of the Quartier Concordia project — have likely noticed a dramatic change in scenery as they continue walking further east along De Maisonneuve Boulevard. The granite is quickly replaced by cracking concrete and greenery becomes a not so distant memory.
Not for long. De Maisonneuve Boulevard will transform into the same modern, revitalized space this spring as part of Phase 2 of the Quartier Concordia project — a partnership with the City of Montreal aimed at converting the Sir George Williams campus from a collection of scattered buildings into a welcoming and cohesive urban campus.
While preparatory work (i.e., installation of electrical wiring underground to accommodate new lamp posts) was recently completed, the remainder of the renovations will take place mid-May once the spring thaw has passed.
The first part of the springtime work will affect the stretch of De Maisonneuve Boulevard between Bishop and Mackay streets. Sidewalks, right up to the entrance of the LB Building, will be torn out and replaced by renewed sidewalks with concrete pavers. The sidewalks will be expanded about seven feet further into the street.
The next part of springtime renovations will involve the removal of the parking lane in front of the Hall Building, with designated parking zones remaining only for the shuttle bus and STM paratransit (disabled persons) vehicles.
“It will be more of a pedestrian area,” says David Kruse, project manager for Facilities Management. He adds that greenery, mainly perennials, will be added to both the north and south sides of the street, as well as an irrigation system. Trees and benches will also adorn the front of the Hall Building. “We’re excited to provide more areas for people to get together and enjoy the space around campus,” says Kruse.
A permanent bike path will be installed, and will also benefit from a green new look; one of the few in Montreal to feature a median with vegetation.
However, the bike path, says Kruse, is not just an esthetic enhancement, but a safety one as well. “A permanent bike path is more likely to be acknowledged by pedestrians and drivers alike. The concrete blocks separating the space right now [between the street and the bike path] is very basic and not always easily identifiable. The new path will make it more formal.”
Phase 2 continues on De Maisonneuve Boulevard between Mackay and Guy streets through Place Norman-Bethune. The installation of the bike path will continue and the roadway will be repaved. This work is expected to begin by late summer, 2012.
The last part of Phase 2, to be implemented in the summer and fall of 2012, will affect De Maisonneuve Boulevard between Guy and St-Mathieu streets. A new concrete median for the bike path will be installed and the sidewalks and streets will be repaved.
“This will ultimately update the area and transition it into the look and feel of Place Norman-Bethune. This is a real opportunity to bring more life, especially with the greenery, to the space that Concordians spend much of their time in,” says Kruse.
Subsequent phases are currently being developed to treat the university’s tertiary streets, including Bishop and Mackay streets.
Related links:
• Quartier Concordia
• Facilities Management website