The Mussen Building, located at the corner of Saint-Laurent Boulevard and Notre-Dame Street West, is an iconic structure in Old Montreal. Since 1905, it has stood out for its massive masonry architecture, composed of Montreal grey stone and brick, as well as its stone cornices and pediments that emphasize its heritage character. Adjacent to the courthouse, it has long housed the McDonald’s restaurant in Old Montreal.

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In 2021, our team was mandated to carry out a façade inspection and define the best restoration practices. The project, supported by a grant from the Ministry of Culture, aimed to prioritize traditional intervention methods that respect the original construction techniques.

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In collaboration with the project management firm LEM experts-conseil inc. and B.E.S Engineering, the work focused on the entire building envelope, including the stone and brick masonry as well as the tinned copper flashings. The work required the partial dismantling of certain sections of the brick cladding to allow the addition of structural elements. This intervention helped reinforce the integrity of the load-bearing walls while facilitating the repair or replacement of deteriorated components. The addition of tinned copper flashings also contributed to protecting horizontal surfaces and enhancing the overall appearance of the building.

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COHESIO thus contributed to the restoration and enhancement of the façade at 1 Notre-Dame Street, returning this Montreal heritage landmark to its former splendour.