Place Ville-Marie, Montreal

The Place Ville-Marie skyscraper in Montréal has been a source of controversy due to its close proximity to many of the city's landmarks and the significant changes it would bring to the downtown core. The project was part of Mayor Jean Drapeau's vision to transform Montréal into a modern metropolis, and he personally chose the name to pay homage to the city's French Catholic colony established in 1642.

The skyscraper was intended to house the headquarters of the Royal Bank of Canada, which it still does today, leading to the relocation of the city's financial district from Old Montréal to downtown. It became the largest and most intricate office building the world had ever seen.

While the name "Place Ville Marie" commonly refers to the cruciform building itself, it also encompasses the four smaller office buildings constructed around it in 1963 and 1964, as well as the urban plaza situated atop the main section of the shopping promenade and between the buildings.

Renowned architects I. M. Pei and Henry N. Cobb designed this international-style structure, which was completed in 1962. At the time, it was the tallest building in the British Commonwealth and the only cruciform building in the city.

Originally, the location of Place Ville-Marie was occupied by a large railway trench. Consequently, much of the building was erected above the tracks, requiring it to be exceptionally resilient to vibrations. As a result, it stands as Montreal's most earthquake-resistant office tower.

The complex is the heart of Montréal's Underground City, the world's busiest. It connects to over 1,600 businesses, subway stations, and a vast downtown tunnel network. A rooftop beacon shines white beams, visible up to 50 kilometers (31 miles) away.

Tip:
If you visit during Christmas, you will find a huge Christmas tree at the central court.