photography: Ian Rogers
According to BonJour Quebec Magazine, the Godin Building:
“Classified an historic monument in 1990 by the Ministère de la Culture du Québec, the Godin Building was largely ignored in the 20th century. Built in 1915 by avant-garde architect Joseph Arthur Godin, this prestigious “income property” was one of the first Art Nouveau structures to be built in Montréal and was constructed entirely of reinforced concrete. .
Today, the building has experienced a renaissance. Architect Dan Hanganu (Musée d’archéologie, École des hautes études commerciales) began working on the site in 2003. In addition to restoring the façade, he added a new section to the existing building, thus giving birth to the Hôtel Godin, a true boutique hotel.”
As you probably know by now, the Hôtel Godin was sold last year. It is true that it was a remarkable boutique hotel. Unfortunately it never really achieved its full potential as a business; since their opening date on 2004 the hotel had a major setback: they were unable to get a liquor license (it’s a long story), but they did try their best.
“Without a liquor license at the Hotel, the prior owner made the decision to leave the restaurant space unfinished and vacant. This was a major setback because of the Hotel’s strategic location within the entertainment district of Montreal.” – HVS Capital Corp.
On July 9, 2007, Opus Hotel (Trilogy Properties Corporation), a Vancouver based hotel owner/operator, obtained the leasehold interest of Hôtel Godin for $24,350,000, according to HVS Capital Corp.
Even though it is owned and operated by a different group, and it’s now called The Opus Hotel, most of us still remembers it as the Hôtel Godin.
Related Blog post on Opus:
- Opus Brand Alive in Montreal – Vacant Ready
- The Opus Blog
Posted by: Deya Bautista - Real Estate Broker working as part of the McGill Immobilier team. Specializing in high end condos in downtown and Old Montreal. For buying or selling contact Deya at: 514.917.7889 
I have just recently found this site and have really enjoyed reading through the articles. I have to say that this is such a lovely building. I like what it looks like now than what it did before
What an interesting site with come great content I have been scrolling through the pages and found it really great, I have to say what a difference this hotel looks with the make over, I do prefer it the second photo to that of the first.
What a stunning building, I have just come across this site and have enjoyed paging through
This is a great site and its great to read up what is happening in different places in the world and how the financial crises has implicated them.
I was just wonder why I had been moderated, as I would like to keep coming back and maybe adding in my 2 cents worth:)
Absolutely great site. I have found a lot of interesting articles and have a special place in my heart for Montreal!