West of the Marché Jean-Talon and of St-Laurent, the transformation of the sector is swiftly taking place. The proximity of La Petite Italie and the abandoned factories represent the two main assets of the sector. Decayed buildings are slowly being converted into condos. One after the other, the old factories are being given a new vocation.
With its mixture of industrial buildings, closed down structures, repair shops, fish shops and small houses, the neighbourhood doesn’t look very attractive.
Small factories, artists’ workshops and one-family houses with grapevines are mixed with mechanical workshops and with a large variety of churches and of faiths. The residents, however, insist on preserving that very special Marconi Alexandra style. Located west of the Small-Italy, between Beaubien and Jean-Talon, the territory continues its transformation.
This old industrial area attracts more and more Montrealers in search of affordable lodgings near the Marché Jean-Talon or near St-Laurent.
Several artists settled in the middle of a picturesque neighbourhood trapped between Jean-Talon and the CP Railway. Those same artists are presently afraid they will be expelled so new luxury condos can be built, a situation that has been seen before.
Paul Litherland a photographer, along with other mobilized citizens is against rushed real estate projects. Above all, Paul Litherland pleads for the preservation of a diversity that gives Marconi Alexandra its colour.
More and more abandoned or partially occupied factories are being converted into condos by various promoters. Architects and contractors benefit from high ceilings, large windows and vast spaces.
There aren’t many affordable lodgings left on the Plateau and there’s already an overflow from the now popular Small-Italy.
Promoters table on the proximity of the Marché Jean-Talon and of La Petite Italie.
They plan on attracting daring customers who will not be rejected by the lack of charm of the sector, but who will be attracted by its particular style. Whatever the situation, requests for building permits on Clark, St-Urbain, Waverly, Marconi and Alexandra have increased.
Thank you for visiting Marconi-Alexandra. More to come soon.