LSR GesDev and Sotramont have officially launched the Arbora project, a residential and commercial development in Griffintown, right in the heart of the Innovation District.

The project includes 3 eight-storey buildings with a total of 434 condo, townhouse and rental units. The main floors will be home to commercial spaces varying in size from 1,000 to 10,000 square feet, for a total of 35,000 square feet. With a total surface area of 597,560 square feet, Arbora will become, and by far, the world’s largest residential project featuring a cross-laminated timber (CLT) solid wood structure. The overall investment has been assessed at $130 million. Rental units should be ready as of fall 2016 and the condos and townhouses will be complete in fall 2017.

“Designed for the city but inspired by nature, Arbora is an environmentally friendly development with the building footprint taking up just 55% of the ground surface. The project offers a unique housing experience and includes a large interior courtyard and park,” said Annie Lemieux, Eng., President of LSR GesDev. “All aspects of the project revolve around sustainable concepts. We wanted to create a setting that is restorative yet close to the action, filled with wood and sleek spaces that allow you to reconnect and recenter. The private residences are complemented with common spaces, a series of carefully curated services and amenities, an urban forest with an art station, a large park for outdoor activities, and a variety of shops. The idea is to create a place that encourages people to come together.”

Griffintown is currently experiencing an unprecedented level of real estate development and is attracting residents faster than any other neighbourhood on the island of Montreal. The land on which Arbora is being built was previously held by Grifdor Holdings, a real estate subsidiary owned by Aldo Bensadoun. Grifdor chose to partner with LSR GesDev and Sotramont to create an innovative real estate project strategically located across from what will be Griffintown’s largest park and close to ÉTS.

Innovative, high-quality construction

The Arbora buildings will be among the first in Quebec with a structure made from CLT solid wood panels, which are known for their exceptional performance and strength. Solid, environmentally friendly and also esthetically pleasing, this noble material enhances Arbora’s unique contemporary architecture. Wood beams and posts bring warmth into each of the sleek units.  Aiming to keep its environmental footprint to a minimum, Arbora is sourcing the wood from Nordic, a Chibougamau-based company that manages the boreal forest sustainably with the Cree Nation.

“We’ve developed solid expertise in high-quality real estate projects. In fact, one of our LEED condo projects was recently recognized as the world’s top-performing condo project by the U.S. Green Building Council,” said Marc-André Roy, President of Sotramont. “Working with LSR GesDev, we’ve once again aimed high and done our best to create a singular environment for the Arbora project.”

Arbora has set itself apart by including more than 40% green space and targeting LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum certification, becoming the first real estate project in Griffintown to aim for this prestigious designation. Arbora’s sustainable features include superior airtightness, water-saving plumbing fixtures, building acoustics designed to ASTC 55 standards and a high-performance air exchanger.

Intelligent layout and design

With exposed beams and columns and expansive windows, the units are filled with character. High-quality materials—like Corian, jointed pine, thermoplastic, wood and ceramic—enhance the overall look and feel. The streamlined, contemporary kitchens were designed by the talented team at Humà Design. As an added bonus, the units come with six high-quality appliances and feature a full balcony, loggia, terrace or Juliet balcony.

Great location in a great neighbourhood

Located on the block framed by William, Eleanor, De La Montagne and Ottawa streets, Arbora is just steps away from the restaurants, shops and art galleries that populate this fast-growing neighbourhood. The Lachine canal is also at Arbora’s doorstep, perfect for long walks or bike rides. The project’s location is ideal, as it’s just a few minutes’ walk to the Lucien-L’Allier and Bonaventure metro stations and several city bus lines. Access to the highways is also quick and easy.

A self-contained ecosystem

To make sure residents can enjoy an exceptional experience on site, Arbora has carefully selected the businesses that will occupy the ground floor of Phase 1. These include artisanal bakery L’Amour du Pain and gourmet food shop Citron que c’est bon.

Arbora also took special care to include various services and amenities on site. There’s a gym (with a sauna, change rooms and lockers), outdoor pool for the condo buildings, lounge-style patio for the rental building, storage lockers, private wine cellars, indoor parking, bike repair workshop, secure storage room for bicycles and skis, car wash bay, dog washing area, delivery receiving service, private garden, children’s play area, multi-purpose rooms, car-sharing service, electric car charging stations and a BIXI station nearby.

The inner courtyard, which was designed to look like an urban forest, will include an art station. Various activities, such as yoga classes, will be offered there.

Ambassadors drawn to the Arbora concept

Arbora will soon have the privilege of calling itself home to three very special ambassadors who will be moving into this new residential complex and making the most of everything it has to offer. In fall 2016, Arbora’s rental phase will welcome Mikaël Kingsbury, Olympic medallist in freestyle skiing, Maxim Roy, actor and spokesperson for Écosphère, and Élodie Fleury, the creator of L’eau de l’Aubier, the world’s first still water made from maple.

About LSR GesDev

LSR GesDev is carving a reputation as an expert in managing and developing a variety of residential projects. The company works with partners and professionals to create aesthetically pleasing living spaces. Intent on striking that perfect balance between the characteristics of a building site and the housing needs of its clients, LSR GesDev delivers a value-added living environment. LSR GesDev was spawned by Groupe LSR, a world-class real estate developer, manager and owner that has been involved in multiple large-scale residential projects since its inception in 1969. www.lsr.ca

About Sotramont

Founded over 45 years ago, Sotramont is a leading Quebec firm known for its urban developments and quality construction. With over 2,000 housing units to its credit, Sotramont is a forward-thinking contractor specializing in integrated residential projects erected in independent neighbourhoods centred on sustainable living and respect for the environment. In 2014, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) recognized a Sotramont project as the world’s top-performing LEED condo project. For more information visit www.sotramont.com

Sales office

For more information about the project, please visit the sales office located at 290 De la Montagne Street or go to the website at arboragriffintown.ca.