McGill Library
McLennan Library Building3459 rue McTavish
Montreal, Quebec
H3A 0C9
Corporate body
Apartements Acadia Inc.
1925-
The Acadia Apartments were built in 1925 on the site of the 19th-century residence of the Orr Lewis family. The 12-storey apartment building was the first on Sherbrooke Street to take advantage of a new municipal by-law that allowed buildings to exceed 10 stories. Metropole Apartments, the developers, followed the standards and style of apartment houses built in New York City at that time.
Montreal architect David Robertson Brown designed the Acadia Apartments to have a simple and sparingly ornamented façade, reserving most of the architectural detailing and the finest materials for the public spaces and the well-appointed interiors of the 56 apartment suites.
The sober brick exterior is enlivened by ornamental bands of cast Benedict stone and filigreed wrought iron balcony grilles. A handsome entrance canopy and fence bordering the lawn complement the restrained elegance of the building.