1913 – Édifice Dandurand, Montreal, Quebec

Many of the older taller building in Montreal were obliged to comply with a height bylaw of 1901. Designed in the classical tripartite fashion with a distinct plinth or lower floors, a shaft of repeated floors, and a capital of a more decorative top.

“Montreal is to have another ten storey office building — this time on St. Catherine street, and the first of its character on this shopping thoroughfare. It is designed by Ross & Macfarlane, of Montreal, and will be erected by Mr. U. H. Dandurand. The site is at the corner of St. Catherine and St. Denis streets, and the building promises to be one of the finest structures of its class. The building, which will cost a quarter of a million dollars, will have a total floor area of about 65,000 square feet, including the basement. There are to be several entrances on St. Catherine street, with the entire ground floor area reserved for banks or large stores.

As much of the exterior wall surfaces as possible has been devoted to window area, the structural parts only being encased in brick and stone; the remainder of the wall surface is to be treated in glass and ornamental iron. All the window frames and sashes are to be so constructed that they may obstruct the light as little as possible. The entire ground floor will be lighted by large plate glass show windows between the columns, and over each entrance will be placed a marquise of ornamental iron and glass.

The building will be of steel frame construction, entirely encased and protected with fireproof materials, terra cotta and concrete. The floor and roof slabs will be of reinforced concrete, and the windows and doors as far as possible of metal construction and finish. The stairs will be constructed of iron and marble, and the floor finishes in the corridors will be Canadian marble tile. The office floors to be of hardwood.

The exterior is to be built of grey limestone. The superstructure will be supported on a base or colonnade of Doric columns, preserving the architectural character of the building, and at the same time providing a maximum of light required for the ground floor storey.”
Engineering and Contract Record, September 25, 1912

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