The Wilson Lofts

"The Wilson Lofts, an ambitious residential development in the heart of Montreal’s iconic Paper Hill neighbourhood, is the story of a remarkable transformation."

Originally constructed in 1911, the historic red-brick building was, at the time, a paper mill in an area home to some of Montreal's most prominent newspapers, including the Montreal Star, The Gazette, and La Presse. Over a century later, the building remains perfectly preserved, however, it is now one of Montreal’s most unique collections of luxury condos and a seamless blend of history and modernity.

Leading the revitalization of this historic building was the Vered Group which completed the project in 2011. Their approach was to honour the past while embracing contemporary design, resulting in a space that respects its rich heritage while offering modern comfort and style.

One loft, in particular, stands out as a testament to the vision and creativity of its owners, a couple with a deep appreciation for architecture and design. Before purchasing the residence, the couple lived in a unit inside an adjacent building. Having built a portfolio of transformed homes, when a unique unit inside the Wilson Lofts hit the market, they saw it as the ideal opportunity for their next and most ambitious project. Previous to the purchase, the 2,194-square-foot  space had been divided into three separate condos and then eventually the space was opened up. Inspired by the iconic and expansive lofts of New York City, they envisioned a grand and spacious single loft that embraced the historical and industrial aspects of the building while also creating a home outfitted with all the modern features and functions needed to enjoy a luxuriant lifestyle. To execute their vision, the couple worked with the architect Stephen Hazan — a long-time friend and collaborator.

The process began by gutting the space down to its bare bones. Plumbing and electrical systems were reconfigured to meet modern standards, while the original brick walls were preserved as a nod to the building’s storied past. As the open-concept space began to take shape, considered effort was put into the choice of materials. The kitchen, a custom-built beauty by Cuisines Steam is outfitted with stone Laminam countertops and top-of-the-line appliances from Sub-Zero and Wolf. The generous living space, for its part, is punctuated by a pair of oversized Sistemalux Titan pendant lights. Typically used in larger commercial spaces, the scale of the dining area’s 22-foot ceilings called for a bold and captivating focal point. A distinguishing feature that runs throughout the residence is the European Oak flooring. Treated with a waterproof finish it extends into all the bathrooms, offering stylistic continuity without sacrificing practicality.

Despite the extensive renovations, the couple was careful to maintain a connection to the building’s history. The original brick was kept intact wherever possible and some of the industrial roots of the loft are preserved and hidden in plain sight like the exposed ductwork which has been painted black. Another major consideration was adaptability. While the couple prioritized openness in their lifestyle, it was important that the space be easily reconfigured to offer more privacy.

For the couple, renovating the Wilson Loft was a labour of love. Though they have a history of buying, refurbishing and reselling properties, they approached this project with clarity, intention and a desire to create something truly special. The result home is a testament to their passion and good taste while also demonstrating what can be achieved when history is respected, innovation is embraced, and design is approached with passion and creativity.

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