Site of former Shriners Hospital on the market

Shriners Hospital site for sale The former Shriners Hospital building is up for sale and it may have already found a new owner.

The Shriners Hospital building is on the market and it may have already found a new owner.

The Spanish-style building on Cedar Ave. was vacated by the Shriners almost two years ago when the hospital moved to the MUHC’s Glen site.

According to Bill Miller, chairman of the board of Shriners Canada, there is an interested buyer and they are in talks.

The property has been listed as follows: “Formerly known as the Shriners Hospital of Montreal, this villa-style property sits on 78,656 sq. ft. of land in the Mount Royal Historic and Natural District with panoramic views of downtown Montreal, the St. Lawrence River, the Monteregie hills and the Appalachians.”

The listing was posted ten days ago, and also read: “The site is advantageously located within a quiet and tranquil area fronting the Mont-Royal Park in the highly desirable Ville-Marie borough, steps away from the downtown core and all its amenities, including the Guy-Concordia metro station.”

The listing also notes that because it is zoned institutional, it would require a particular type of project to turn it into a residential building, but some commercial usage is already allowed.

Miller could not divulge details on the potential buyer, but said they are aware of the restrictions on the space.

The sale has Heritage Montreal somewhat concerned it could be turned into condos or a hotel, given that the building offers spectacular views of the city, as well as the South Shore and Eastern Townships on a clear day.

The heritage group would like the building to remain in public use and said any attempted change of zoning could provoke a referendum.

The property is privately owned by the Shriners.

“I don't think so as far as I know with the restrictions imposed on that site, the building footprint cannot be changed. There are certainly restrictions imposed by the city and of course those are out of the hands of out the Shriners. We merely have a property that is for sale and what a developer or potential buyer may do with that property is completely up to the city and the bylaws of the city of Montreal,” said Miller.

Built in 1925, the Shriners Hospital used the space for 90 years.