Past meets the future
Montréal landmarks
Located in the heart of Montréal, 751 Square Victoria and 759 Square Victoria – home to Power Corporation’s offices today – are more than just historic landmarks. Their revitalization reflects the Corporation’s commitment to preserving heritage, ensuring its employees’ well-being, and shaping the future of Montréal’s International District.
Between 1988 and 1992, the two buildings underwent a comprehensive renovation, blending their rich history with modern functionality. At its peak, the project brought together hundreds of construction workers, architects and engineers, as well as specialized tradespeople and designers from all over the world, making it a truly international collaboration. The redevelopment's success was rooted in collaboration and a shared vision for excellence.
At the heart of the project was the installation of a 72-foot-long mirror fountain designed to reflect the surrounding architecture and complemented by a mid-18th-century sculpture of Amphitrite, the Greek goddess of the sea, by French sculptor Dieudonné-Barthélémy Guibal. The passage next to this art installation, known as Fortification Lane, has a ceramic tile pattern on its floor consisting of five lines indicating the precise location and width of the northern wall of Montréal's fortification walls, built in the 18th century, at a time when Montréal was a fortified city.
Today, 751 Square Victoria and 759 Square Victoria remain symbols of Power Corporation’s enduring values. With long-term tenants – some for over 30 years – the buildings stand as a testament to the Corporation’s dedication to establishing long-term partnerships.
751 Square Victoria
The building located at 751 Square Victoria was built in 1875 by Montréal businessman Duncan McIntyre and originally served as a dry goods store and warehouse for McIntyre, Son & Co. Over time, it became a commercial hub for several prominent businesses. Acquired by Canada Steamship Lines in 1946, and then sold to Power Corporation in 1976, the building saw significant changes during the renovation, including the demolition of a large portion of the building’s structure to create a shared garden with the neighbouring World Trade Centre.
759 Square Victoria
Built in two phases – the first in 1899 and the second in 1906/07 – 759 Square Victoria was first home to one of Canada’s largest dry goods wholesalers of its time, Greenshields Limited, which occupied the whole building until 1933. The building, designed by architects Hutchison and Wood in the Italian Renaissance style, was purchased in 1946 by Canada Steamship Lines, and subsequently purchased by Power Corporation in 1976. Its steel-encased concrete structure, partly built with repurposed steel from CSL ships, made it a regional landmark. During the 1989 modernization of the building, the lobby was transformed with granite cladding, vaulted ceilings, maple-capped columns, and custom-designed spaces, enhancing its functionality and aesthetics.
