OTTAWA
QUEBEC
MONTREAL
TORONTO
Client Name
Montoni
PROJECT CATEGORY
Industrial
Project Date
2022
Former Molson
Brewery
Montreal, QC
Project Services
- Abatement
- Asset Recovery
- Demolition
- Recycling
Renovation and Demolition at Former Molson Brewery
Project Overview
Delsan-AIM has successfully completed the first phase of a major renovation project at the Former Molson Brewery site. This multi-year project transformed the historic brewery into nearly 6 million square feet of mixed residential and commercial space in downtown Montreal, blending its rich history with contemporary urban development. The work encompassed a variety of buildings, infrastructure, and historical features, including:
Delsan-AIM’s scope of work focused on preparing a section of the brewery for renovation, including hazardous material abatement, selective demolition, and the careful removal of process equipment, mechanical and electrical systems, architectural finishes, and building structures across 170,000 square feet. The project preserved significant historical elements while ensuring the safe demolition and preparation of the site.
Delsan-AIM has successfully completed the first phase of a major renovation project at the Former Molson Brewery site. This multi-year project transformed the historic brewery into nearly 6 million square feet of mixed residential and commercial space in downtown Montreal, blending its rich history with contemporary urban development. The work encompassed a variety of buildings, infrastructure, and historical features, including:
- Multiple industrial buildings with production equipment and infrastructure spanning several decades of operation.
- Iconic structures such as the illuminated clock, the Molson tower, the Molson sign, and the brick chimney, all of which are integral to the Montreal skyline.
Delsan-AIM’s scope of work focused on preparing a section of the brewery for renovation, including hazardous material abatement, selective demolition, and the careful removal of process equipment, mechanical and electrical systems, architectural finishes, and building structures across 170,000 square feet. The project preserved significant historical elements while ensuring the safe demolition and preparation of the site.
| Decommissioning and Preparatory Work Before beginning demolition, Delsan-AIM completed an extensive decommissioning process, which involved the removal of hazardous materials, including asbestos, and ensuring that all necessary utilities and systems were safely disconnected. During this phase, special attention was paid to areas of historical value, which were carefully preserved and protected from any damage during demolition. Additionally, Delsan-AIM implemented measures to protect the remaining sections of the brewery that are scheduled to stay, including those integral to the historical fabric of the site. These measures included installing temporary barriers and protective coverings to safeguard key features such as the Molson tower and chimney. Demolition Operations One of the most significant challenges during this phase involved the demolition of the exterior tank farm, which housed twenty-nine (29) large beer fermentation unitanks, some reaching up to 86 ft. above grade. The tank farm was located in a space constrained by the adjacent Papineau Avenue and an active railway corridor. The demolition of these tanks was executed using a combination of high-reach demolition equipment and engineered control-drop methods, ensuring that all work was conducted safely, with minimal disruption to the surrounding area and no impact on the active railway corridor. In addition to the tank farm, Delsan-AIM undertook the dismantling and removal of brewing equipment, along with the complete selective demolition of architectural finishes throughout various brewery buildings. This also involved the structural demolition of a section of a five-storey building from the 1930s, along with two industrial buildings that were no longer required for the new development. Environmental and Safety Measures Throughout the project, Delsan-AIM adhered to rigorous environmental and safety protocols, including:
Project Completion and Future Work As the first phase of this renovation project draws to a close, the site is being fully prepared for the next stages of redevelopment, which will transform the former brewery into a modern mixed-use complex. Through meticulous planning, precise demolition, and careful preservation of historical elements, Delsan-AIM has set the stage for a new chapter in the life of this iconic Montreal landmark. |
