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The plan to redevelop and enliven a long dormant architectural landmark in Sud-Ouest Montreal is close to the finish line after a year of work. Montreal punk band Trigger Effect (Patrick Bennett, Sergio Da Silva, Mike Niro and Jordan Brown) has given the former Molson family bank (5001-5011, rue Notre-Dame Ouest, corner St-Rémi) a fresh start as Loïc, a bar, and Turbo Haus, a relocated concert venue/arts centre. Others involved include Max Ruiz Laing and Marley Sniatowsky, partners in seafood and shellfish caterer Choice Harbour, and familiar presences behind the bars at Majestique and Liverpool House, respectively. Mikey Griffin, son of Honey Martin owner Mike Griffin, is engaged in the project as well.
Trigger Effect's members elaborate via Facebook that "the top floor will be where we move Turbo Haus. It will operate as a social club/community center. The downstairs will be a bar that we also run. Don't worry, no Grey Goose bottle service, VIP section or paying Rihanna to hang out." Turbo Haus was christened by the band this past week; look for Loïc soon.
The Molson family bank, completed in 1905 by eminent architect Edward Maxwell, is considered a heritage landmark of exceptional quality by the city of Montreal. Other notable works by Maxwell and, indeed, partner and brother William Maxwell, include a Montreal Museum of Fine Arts gallery, the Church of the Messiah, the enlargement of the Château Frontenac in Quebec City, and many private homes in the Golden Square Mile and Westmount.
