Héritage Montréal thanks Minister of Culture Nathalie Roy for granting the urgent request we made jointly with our founding president, Phyllis Lambert, and for beginning the process of classifying Major House, an exceptional heritage building in downtown Montreal.
Built in 1859 on Guy Street, Major House is owned by Fulford Residence, a charitable organization that occupied the house for more than 130 years. Its long history as a home for older women and women of limited means gives the house considerable social significance.
The house has been closed since 2021 as a result of the pandemic. Its grounds and mature trees remain intact, and the property now faces intense development pressure in downtown Montreal. The proposed classification comes at an important time for the charity as it seeks new owners. It will also help guide public discussion about future uses that respect the architectural, historical and social value of the house and its grounds.
Héritage Montréal also welcomes the scope of the proposed classification, which covers Major House, its grounds and its remarkably intact interiors. The protection of heritage interiors and the future of community-owned heritage properties are both of particular concern to us. In 2011, Quebec amended its legislation to give municipalities the power to protect heritage interiors. Only Goode House in Westmount has received this municipal protection, and it is now the subject of an application for a demolition permit.
The Minister’s decision to begin the process of classifying Major House (Fulford Residence), including its interiors, is an important step. Héritage Montréal firmly believes this decision will help secure a better future for the house, one that builds on the charity’s decades of service to the community. Héritage Montréal will continue to offer its full support to that end.
