Former Molson Brewery

Project Overview

Former Molson Brewery Renovation marked the successful completion of the first phase of a major redevelopment project by Delsan-AIM. This multi-year effort is transforming the historic brewery into nearly 6 million square feet of mixed residential and commercial space in downtown Montreal. The work blended rich historical elements with contemporary urban development, covering:

• Multiple industrial buildings containing production equipment and infrastructure spanning several decades.
• Iconic structures such as the illuminated clock, Molson tower, Molson sign, and brick chimney, all integral parts of the Montreal skyline.

Our scope of work for the Former Molson Brewery Renovation focused on preparing a major section of the site for redevelopment. Activities included hazardous material abatement, selective demolition, and the careful removal of mechanical systems, electrical components, architectural finishes, and building structures across 170,000 square feet. Importantly, significant historical elements were preserved while ensuring safe demolition practices throughout the project.

Decommissioning and Preparatory Work

Before beginning demolition, Delsan-AIM completed an extensive decommissioning process for the Former Molson Brewery Renovation. This phase involved the removal of hazardous materials, including asbestos, and the safe disconnection of all utilities and services. Special care was taken to protect historically significant areas from any damage during operations.

Additionally, we implemented protective measures to preserve sections of the brewery scheduled to remain, such as the Molson tower and the iconic brick chimney. Temporary barriers and protective coverings ensured that these critical features remained intact throughout the work.

Demolition Operations

One of the most complex challenges during the Former Molson Brewery Renovation involved the demolition of the exterior tank farm. This area housed twenty-nine (29) large beer fermentation unitanks, with some tanks reaching up to 86 feet above grade. Due to the constrained site conditions, bordered by Papineau Avenue and an active railway corridor, demolition activities required engineered controlled-drop methods and the use of high-reach demolition equipment.

In addition to the tank farm, we dismantled brewing equipment and selectively demolished architectural finishes throughout several brewery buildings. Our work also included the structural demolition of a section of a five-storey building from the 1930s and two industrial buildings no longer needed for the upcoming development phase.

Environmental and Safety Measures

Throughout the Former Molson Brewery Renovation project, we strictly adhered to environmental and safety protocols. Measures included:

• Comprehensive air quality monitoring during hazardous material removal and demolition operations to safeguard workers and the public.
• Implementing dust control systems, such as water suppression and dust barriers, to minimize impact on surrounding areas.
• Coordinating demolition activities with local authorities to avoid disruption to traffic and ensure public safety.

Project Completion and Future Work

As the first phase of the Former Molson Brewery Renovation concludes, the site is fully prepared for its next stages of redevelopment. Through meticulous planning, precise demolition operations, and the careful preservation of historical elements, Delsan-AIM has set the foundation for a vibrant, mixed-use complex that will redefine this iconic part of downtown Montreal.

Learn more about historical redevelopment efforts at the Heritage Montreal Foundation.