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Because History repeats itself...
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Institute of the Misericordia Sisters / CHSLD Jacques-Viger
970 René-Lévesque Boulevard East
Architectural and Landscape Value
The Institute of the Sœurs de Miséricorde, a large conventual ans hospital complex, follows the classic form for this type of structure, namely a central block housing the chapel, with symetrical adjoining wings. The Institute’s first buildings were erected between 1853 and 1884. Over the years, other wings and pavilions were added, creating a harmonious whole that combines structures in different styles, from the neoclassical architecture of the original section to the modernism of the wings built in the 1940s.
The Institute holds a place of importance in the built scape along De La Gauchetière Street and René-Lévesque Boulevard, in particular because of the commanding presence of its institutional architecture and the tree-filled courtyards that flank the chapel. In addition, the hospital is part of a larger institutional complex that includes the former Hautes Études Commerciales business school (now the Gilles-Hocquart Building of Quebec’s Bibliothèque et Archives nationales), opposite Viger square, and the former Viger Station-Hotel, the old Masson house (today the Maison du Père) and the former Académie Marchand, which now belongs to the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQÀM).
Historic Value
The Institute of the Sœurs de Miséricorde reminds us of the essential role played by religious congregations in 19th-century Montreal life. At that time, most health and social services were dispensed by Catholic religious orders. The quality and size of this group of convent buildings illustrates the importance attached to these religious institutions as well as the need for the public services they provided. Located between the Latin Quarter and various working-class neighbourhoods, the Institute of the Sœurs de Miséricorde took care of people whom society judged harshly and marginalized: single mothers and their children. The public hospital connected to it ranked as one of the most highly regarded maternity homes in 20th-century Montreal and was associated with many of the city’s leading figures.
The Threat
The Jacques-Viger long-term care hospital (CHSLD) that has occupied the building for several decades is currently cutting back and relocating its activities. It is considering closing the facility, as technical problems related to the masonry in some sections of the complex have been detected. The structural problems are already forcing the occupants of three of the six pavilions to vacate the premises.
Initiatives of Héritage Montréal
Héritage Montréal has been in contact with City of Montreal, Ville-Marie Borough and Montreal health authorities to make them aware of the urgency of ensuring a future use for this heritage building complex. Among other points, we have stressed the promising new reuse potential offered by the CHUM megahospital project, which requires space in this neighbourhood.
To help safeguard this site, write to us.
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