NEWS FROM RIGHT HERE

January 24, 2025

When Urban Art Meets Commercial Development

Artworks taking over the urban landscape, from the facades of buildings to construction site hoarding? You’re going to be seeing more and more of them throughout the SDC District Central territory.

“Generally, a construction site is seen as a nuisance for the neighborhood—bringing noise, dust, heavy machinery, and barricades that are often an eyesore, plastered with corporate logos or postering,” says Marc-André Carignan, Project Manager of Signature Urban Planning at District Central.

So, why not transform this visual nuisance into an artistic beautification project for the neighborhood? That’s exactly what Groupe SBI did. Along the Meilleur Street construction hoarding, installed to secure the site of the upcoming ANIMA apartment project, a 120-foot artwork now stretches across the pavement.

“The Chabanel sector is a dynamic hub of innovation and creativity, attracting hundreds of artists looking for studios and many young entrepreneurs wanting to launch their businesses,” says Daniel Schouela of Groupe SBI. “To show our commitment to the neighborhood’s expressive energy, we asked Marlon Kroll—a young artist whose studio is just steps away from our site—to use the hoarding as his canvas.”

The Infinities artwork by Marlon Kroll, is at 9450 Meilleur Street

The public artwork, titled Infinities, features a subtle relief and is composed of overlapping, intersecting colorful circles. “It takes on different shapes depending on the perspective of pedestrians and drivers,” explains Marc-André Carignan. “The movement constantly renews the passerby's experience.”

For Groupe SBI, it’s a way to offer a warm and welcoming environment for the people who will move into the freshly built apartments of this up-and-coming neighborhood.

“We want to liven up the experience for residents walking home starting from the launch of the project's first phase, keeping things vibrant while the rest of the construction is completed,” explains Daniel Schouela.

While this type of artwork is normally temporary, Groupe SBI plans to give it a permanent home. They will eventually relocate the piece to the woonerf—a pedestrian-friendly shared street—that will run through the inner courtyard of the project’s buildings.

Art as a Catalyst for Revitalization

Alongside real estate developers, the SDC District Central is investing in these types of initiatives thanks to a $1 million grant from the Fonds signature métropole. Established by the Quebec government, this fund is designed to boost economic, cultural, and social activity across the metropolitan region. It funds landscaping projects to build local resilience through biodiversity, urban installations to beautify and energize the area with public art and furniture, and signage initiatives to inform, guide, and honor the neighborhood's history.

As a result, these creative projects support local artists while leveraging urban art to revitalize the entire community.

“These installations enhance the built environment, and beauty naturally draws in residents, visitors, consumers, and businesses looking for an inviting workplace for their staff,” says Marc-André Carignan. “Art has the power to surprise people and bring a little bit of magic into their daily lives.”

Infinities is far from the only piece transforming the District Central landscape. Passersby can also admire a mural by Fluke—another local artist—on the Immeubles HS building at 9775 Meilleur, between Sauvé West and Port-Royal West. The mural captures the lasting community impact of the area’s rich industrial and manufacturing heritage.

Mural by Fluke at 9775 Meilleur

Photo: Fluke

“The mural catches people's attention and enhances the building, making it much more attractive to both current tenants and visitors,” says Zeina Haddad, Director at Immeubles HS. “It creates an inspiring environment and fosters a real sense of belonging within the building.”

Beyond the benefits for current and future tenants, she sees the artwork as a true asset to the wider neighborhood. “It strengthens our local identity,” she notes, “and celebrates the culture and history of the Chabanel sector.”

The SDC District Central hopes that other developers will be inspired by these first installations and choose to join the initiative.

“We would love to see a high concentration of artistic projects here and eventually develop art walks featuring podcasts or guided tours,” adds Marc-André Carignan. “This growing interest will put the area on the map, ultimately attracting major investments that will build long-term resilience for the neighborhood.”

Article written by Martine Letarte

This article was published in the online magazine Immobilier commercial N°6 - novembre 2024, pp 34-35.

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