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Viger Station: A Unique Chapter in Montreal’s Architectural and Transportation History

Built in 1898, Viger Station was named after 19th-century politician Denis-Benjamin Viger, though it was later renamed in honor of Jacques Viger, the first mayor of Montreal. Situated on a generous green space surrounding Place Viger, the station was constructed to serve passengers traveling to the north and east of the province. It complemented Windsor Station, which handled routes to the south and west.

Located at the edge of Old Montreal, Viger Station stands as a striking and monumental structure. If its architecture seems familiar, it’s because the building was designed by Bruce Price, the same architect behind Quebec City’s Château Frontenac. Both buildings share characteristics of the French château style, marked by steep roofs, ornate detailing, and a grand, castle-like presence.

Viger Station holds a unique place in Canadian architectural history as the only station in the country to combine a railway terminal with a luxury hotel—a concept inspired by European precedents but virtually unheard of in North America at the time. The structure appears almost as if a grand hotel was built atop a more modest train station base, reflecting its dual function and layered design.

The Great Depression of the 1930s dealt a severe blow to the hotel’s viability, leading to its closure in 1935. The train station itself followed suit in 1951, as declining passenger numbers made operations unsustainable.

For decades, the building and its surroundings fell into disuse and neglect. However, in recent years, the former station has found new life: it now houses modern office spaces, and the grounds of Place Viger have been revitalized, reconnecting this historic landmark with the urban fabric of Montreal.

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