The vast majority of participants in the consultation on the future of the iconic Van Horne warehouse rejected the idea of ​​developing a hotel there.

This is revealed by a research report made public on Monday. It followed the filing of a transformation project by private promoters.

Of nearly 11,000 respondents to the consultation, 74% said they “disagree” with the idea of ​​allowing “the presence of offices and a hotel in the building”.

“The Van Horne warehouse transformation project is perceived as concerning: more than two-thirds (68%) of the participants in the consultation say they are concerned about this transformation project,” the document states. .

“The social and community aspects are close to the heart of the Montreal residents interviewed and are present in the areas for improvement mentioned for the project: four in ten (40%) mention the addition of affordable/social housing. This option is however made impossible, according to the borough, by the presence of a railway line just at the foot of the building.

The Van Horne warehouse is located on the street of the same name, on the borders of the Plateau-Mont-Royal, Rosemont-La-Petite-Patrie and Outremont boroughs. The building, which will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2024, was designed to accommodate foodstuffs. It is now used to store documents, but has nevertheless retained its water tower on the roof.

Despite the rejection of the hotel transformation project, respondents to the consultation largely agreed that the building should find a new purpose: 77% of respondents agreed with the idea. The addition of a large number of windows to the warehouse and the addition of a canopy on the roof also garnered a majority of support.