McGill Library
McLennan Library Building3459 rue McTavish
Montreal, Quebec
H3A 0C9
Proposed Development of The Birks Property
File
18 drawings : 3 ink on linen, 1 ink on pencil, 5 pencil on paper, 1 watercolour on card, 6 blueprints, 1 black line
2 photographs
cm of textual records
File consists of architectural drawings for urban houses, 2 photographs (1 plan, 1 perspective), and a file folder of correspondence. Drawings include:
5 survey drawings: road plan, subdivision plans, site plan
1 measured drawing: contour plan
3 sketch drawings: site plan, plan, plot plan
4 presentation drawings: perspective views of proposed development
5 development drawings: block plans, site plan, retaining wall, garages, floor plans
Percy Nobbs sets down his intentions for the subdivision of the Birks property in a document titled For Incorporation in Prospectus for Birks Property Holders Belvedere Terrace, Westmount, P.Q. “The subdivision of the Birks property at Belveder Terrace, Westmount,P.Q., was prepared with the general intention that the several properties to be developed may all support one another in value. This can best be attained through assuring to each site a fair share of view, sunlight, accessibility and general amenity by means of restrictions and servitudes over and above city regulations affecting building lines and the height and construction of buildings in this district.” Nobbs outlines eleven restrictions, which are in fact very specific.