J.W. McConnell Building entrance renovations
New installations will improve heating during the winter months, accessibility for individuals with reduced mobility and more.
Timeline
- Winter 2025 term to winter 2026 term
Overview
The existing entrance doors to the J.W. McConnell (LB) Building have passed their useful lifespan and need to be replaced. Starting March 31, 2025, all seven entrances to the building will be renovated in phases. The work will be divided into three phases in which two or three entrances will be renovated per phase.
At no time will two entrances facing the same street be renovated concurrently. The aim is to make the building as accessible as possible during the work.
Renovation schedule
During the renovations, entrances will be inaccessible during the following periods:
- April to June 2025
- West entrance on De Maisonneuve Boulevard West (near 4TH SPACE)
- Entrance at 1453 MacKay St.
- August to October 2025
- East entrance on De Maisonneuve Boulevard West (near Birks Student Service Centre)
- North entrance on Bishop Street (Welcome Centre)
- East entrance in the Ste. Catherine Street West alleyway (near SHIFT)
- November 2025 to February 2026
- South entrance on Bishop Street (near SHIFT)
- West entrance in the Ste. Catherine Street West alleyway
Project goals
The renovations aim to:
- give a uniform appearance to the entrances;
- improve accessibility for wheelchair users, deliveries and occupants;
- improve heating during the winter months;
- increase durability and reduce maintenance required in the entrances;
- standardize hardware; and
- improve security.
The project also aligns with Concordia's Sustainability Action Plan through the installation of decarbonized, easy-to-maintain materials and energy-efficient heating. These installations will improve safety, accessibility and comfort.
Another of the project’s objectives is to increase the reliability and lifespan of the hardware and heating system so as to reduce maintenance needs and interventions by the property management team.
Accessible entrance options
The following entrance options to the LB Building are accessible for individuals with reduced mobility, with ramps and automatic door openers:
- West entrance on De Maisonneuve Boulevard West (near 4TH SPACE)
- Entrance at 1453 Mackay St.
- East entrance in the Ste. Catherine Street West alleyway (near SHIFT)
