The domain-de-l’estrel, one of the jewels of modern architecture in Quebec, was destroyed on Friday. The main building of the complex is highly protected by the state of Quebec, but not its exterior buildings. Everything finally happened under the action of two large mechanical shovels.
The mayor of Sainte-Marguerite-du-Lac-Masson, Gilles Boucher, was devastated. “We had an exceptional building, a masterpiece. We lost it. The Ministry of Culture and Communications sent us a demolition permit. We have no evidence to oppose it. We have to give permission.”
The owner wanted to demolish the rear. “It simply came to our notice then. And the cultural center, the most beautiful area, came with it! Everything there was hanging by a thread. And everything fell apart. It’s over. ⁇
A few days ago, In the letter issued Duty, France Van Ledem, professor at the School of Design at UQAM, has publicly expressed concern over the demolition of an area approved by the Ministry of Culture and Communications. In one breath she discovered the history of the building.
In an interview, Mr.Me Van Ladem says he has conveyed his “concerns to the ministry.” In response, he says, “We received a letter that contained nothing.” The Missive was reassuring: “The Ministry pays particular attention to the protection of various internal and external components of the classified area that face many problems. ⁇
“Their decision to allow the demolition of the rear section was explained, among other things, by the desire to restrict access to the property in the context in which it was justified, and without harm,” the officials explained. Well categorized ”. But, in the end everything was ruined.
Was the work well monitored? On March 9, Rene Genest, executive director of Action Patrimoyin, and Franz Van Lெdem, president of Docomo Quebec, wrote a joint letter of warning to Jean-Jacques Adjesion, chief traditional officer of the MCC. “We want to make sure that all the tests were done before the demolition was approved [partielle de l’édifice]. Interference with the back of the building should not affect the stability of the front. “N Genest and Van Ledem were also amazed by the structural studies of this building, which was one of the first concrete constructions.[ai]Subject to demolition “.
Their observations will go unnoticed until their fears are fulfilled.
“Illegal,” says the minister
The minister in charge, Natalie Roy, said the traditional property had been illegally destroyed. In A Tweet Launched Friday afternoonMMe Roy claims to have learned that “the listed heritage building in Domain d’L’Esterelle in Laurence was illegally demolished without any approval.” “I have asked the ministry to shed full light on what happened,” he said, concluding that the law would be applied.
“I’m not surprised,” says Franz Vonlethem. “Did the property owner have a particular interest in Quebec’s heritage? I do not know, I do not know him. Did the Ministry of Culture closely monitor the work? In any case, the Ministry is not fit to protect the entire property. That’s it: now it’s over. ⁇
At the time of writing, the Ministry of Culture and Communications has not responded to questions. To.
Has been in danger for many years
Built by the Belgian Baron Louis Empire between 1936 and 1937, the condition of this Art Deco style resort complex has been repeatedly criticized by the Order of Architects. The latter was outraged that it was in danger despite being classified as the “cradle of architectural modernity in Quebec”.
When he bought the campus in the 1930s, the Belgian borough was not even 30 years old. Rich like Croesus, he entrusted the task of designing an exceptional building among the Laurence to an internationally renowned architect. The deal went to Antoine Gordon, one of his comrades, the winner of the Brix de Rome. In 1938, the campus opened with great fanfare in the ballroom; None other than Penny Goodman conducted the orchestra.
The original center included a cabaret restaurant, a cinema, offices, apartments, a garage and a gas station. Salads are associated with it. In one of them, novelist Georges Siemenon will write three novels, including one of his most famous, Three bedrooms in Manhattan.
Prior to its acquisition by the municipality in 1978, the property changed hands several times, transforming it into a community center and town hall.
In 2013, a private advertiser bought the premises to build an entertainment and hotel center. Although MRC des Pays-d’en-Haut included this area as one of the key elements of its cultural policy and its development heritage in its development plan, a partial demolition was planned quickly. Faced with general outrage, the ministry classified the building on the border of Mason Lake as part of the Quebec tradition and specific elements of its Art Deco style. However, the building was almost completely abandoned Although many Calls for action.
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