The second phase of the $1.15-billion Auguste & Louis condo project in Montreal’s Quartier des lumières broke ground last week on the site of the former CBC/Radio-Canada tower.

Groupe Devimco and its partners, Fonds immobilier de solidarité FTQ and Fiera Real Estate, are planning 253 units for the latest iteration of Auguste & Louis—project inspired by the Lumière brothers who are famous in film history for having invented the cinematograph and autochrome.

Provencher_Roy designed the high-rise to embody the motion-picture theme with architecture that pays with light. A double-height lobby will immerse residents in an atmosphere that evokes ‘black box film projection.’ Common spaces include a rooftop terrace with an urban garden and a 32,000 square-foot landscaped inner courtyard.

Auguste & Louis’ first phase launched in 2021. This newest tower will be 21 floors. Together, they will rise in the Quartier des lumières mixed-use development that promises to bring 3,000 residential units and 200 per cent more green space to the downtown area.

“We are excited to begin Phase 2 of this landmark project for Montreal, which promises to modernize the historic Faubourgs area at the gateway to downtown,” said Pierre Pelletier, Head of Real Estate Development and Financing at Fiera Real Estate. “This second phase is part of a mixed-use real estate project that spans 4 million sq. ft., including more than 2,000 residential units, 1 million sq. ft. of office space and close to 230,000 sq. ft. of commercial space.”

The second phase is valued at $111 million and will feature studios and one- to three-bedroom units spanning up to 1,259 square feet, with initial units set for completion by 2025.

Feature photo: From left to right : Pierre Pelletier, Head of Real Estate Development and Financing at Fiera Real Estate, James Goulet, partner of Groupe Devimco, Martin Raymond, Senior Vice-President, Real Estate Investments, Fonds immobilier de solidarité FTQ.