Recap of ‘Les Moments Montréal centre-ville’ 2024

Through its development and promotional activities, Montréal centre-ville showcases the downtown area and its member businesses. Held annually, Les Moments Montréal centre-ville provide an opportunity to highlight unique locations in the downtown area. This year, SDC members and partners had an exclusive opportunity to explore the 9th floor of Montreal’s Eaton Centre, which had been closed for nearly 25 years. The SDC also recognized the contributions of businesses and individuals shaping downtown through the presentation of the Montréal centre-ville Awards.

The members and partners of downtown  rediscover an exceptional venue

Originally opened in 1931, the 9th-floor restaurant of the Eaton Centre remained closed for nearly 25 years. Prior to its official reopening in May, Montréal centre-ville gathered its members and partners there. An exclusive invitation to rediscover this iconic space in Montreal.

Located in the heart of downtown Montreal, this gathering place and venue for celebration is steeped in elegance and history. Better known as ‘Le neuvième,’ it’s an Art Deco gem initiated by Flora Eaton in the late 1920s and designed by the renowned French architect Jacques Carlu. With its high ceilings (10 meters), clean lines, and intimate ambiance, ‘Le neuvième’ is ingrained in the collective memory of Montrealers and is classified as a historical monument by the Ministry of Culture.

Reopening its doors in May, the establishment will soon reclaim its place in Montreal’s cultural and gastronomic life, offering a restaurant, event space, and performance hall.

Outstanding winners gathered at the Montréal centre-ville Awards

All year long, businesses and individuals strive to make downtown a vibrant hub for living, visiting, and working. For the 2024 edition of the Downtown Montreal Awards, five categories were highlighted:

Winner of the Business of the Year Category

In the Business of the Year category, Sid Lee Architecture was honored with the award. This renowned firm, led by architects and principal associates Jean Pelland and Martin Leblanc, is based at Place Ville Marie. Sid Lee Architecture has been instrumental in numerous landmark projects throughout downtown, including Le Reine Élisabeth, Espace C2, Rose Orange, and Hiatus, among others.

Winner of the Retail Business of the Year Category

In the Retail Business of the Year category, the award was given to Gosselin Photo Vidéo Inc. Founded in 1936 by two brothers and photographers, Armand and Lucien Gosselin, this Quebec flagship expanded regionally before finally establishing itself in downtown Montreal in 2020. Situated at the intersection of Sainte-Catherine and Bleury streets, it significantly enhances the dynamism of the area.

Winner of the Newcomer of the Year Category

In the Newcomer of the Year category, the award was presented to HONEYROSE Hotel Montreal. Opened in 2023, this boutique hotel is the first property of the Tribute Portfolio brand in Montreal. The venue’s Art Deco-inspired design is both vintage and sleek. In an atmosphere the hotel describes as “casual and modern luxury,” it offers world-class service and features 143 rooms, including 16 suites.

Winner of the Year’s Favorite Category

In the Year’s Favorite category, the award was given to Tunnel Espresso. Founded in 2013 in the underground city, Tunnel Espresso celebrates local micro-roasting. A place of comfort and gathering, it’s the quintessential coffee space in the bustling heart of the city. Acquired in 2018 by Elsa Ouagmi and her two partners, Yann and Dave, the business now operates four counters in downtown Montreal. 

Winner of the Restaurant of the Year Category

In the Restaurant of the Year category, the award was given to Neotokyo. The establishment opened its doors in December 2022 in a historic building on Viger Street, between downtown and Old Montreal. This noodle bar with a neo-futuristic decor is inspired by the vision of its owner, Yann Levy, who collaborates with the remarkable Shigetoshi, a master of ramen.

Montréal centre-ville pays tribute to the legacy of landscape architect Claude Cormier

At this special evening, the SDC highlighted the unique contribution of Quebec’s most renowned landscape architect, the late Claude Cormier, who passed away on September 15, 2023. Through this Tribute Award, the community celebrated the remarkable and celebrated work of this visionary and vibrant creative who left an indelible mark on downtown, transforming it in significant ways.

Winner of the Tribute Award Category

Let’s remember that Claude Cormier has designed some of the most iconic public spaces in downtown: from the pink balls of the Village district to Dorchester Square, passing through Place du Canada and Clock Tower Beach, among many others. In 2022, he unveiled his final Montreal project with the esplanade ring at Place Ville Marie, a “love letter to Montreal” in his own words.

Between emotion, sharing, and refinement, the evening organized in honor of the members and partners of Montréal centre-ville unfolded under the sign of conviviality and discovery.