Proment launches initial phase : Zuni

Occupying a complete housing block, Zuni (which stands for Urban Zone in the island’s northern area) will be a true microcosm of the northern tip. It will include a building of six floors with 163 loft-condos and boutiques on the ground floor. Looking out towards an interior garden, Zuni will offer recreational spaces - a rooftop pool, an exercise and yoga studio - as well as a game room. About ten townhouses will complete the complex.

As already known, the northern tip project (projet Pointe-Nord) is located alongside the river, from the northern side of l’île des Soeurs facing the Bell Campus. Several types of housing will be offered – townhouses, condos and lofts –and commercial spaces. In total, the project will consist of about 1,600 housing units to be built over a 10-12 year period.

Northern tip residents will enjoy an environment that blends quality architectural design and proximity of the river as well as magnificent views of downtown. They will also enjoy boutiques within walking distance and also benefit from common recreational spaces. All housing units will be built based on the concept of sustainable development, according to Mr. Gewurz, president of Proment Corporation; it constitutes a specific advantage for some buyers who, apart from acquiring an energy cost-saving home, will also live in a very healthy environment.

The planning for a network of public parks is one of the project’s strongest selling points. This network will have new recreational areas for L'Île-des-Soeurs residents. Proment worked in direct collaboration with Verdun Borough to integrate these public spaces into the master plan.

This way, the Borough gets to enjoy the wealth of the archeological site of the Jacques-Le Ber farm, creating a park that will reflect the island’s history. A large park by the river is also planned and will be equipped to accommodate kayaks and will include other small embarkations, notably the Esplanade de la Pointe-Nord. A third green space will be located along the Bell Campus.

The northern tip is one of 24 LEED ND Canadian projects (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Neighbourhood Developments). “The master plan for the northern tip was chosen as the pilot project”, added Louis-Joseph Papineau, vice-president for construction and development at Proment. To obtain the LEED ND certification on both the design and construction levels, the project must follow the sustainable development approach including the recovery of water and energy management. Our construction experience with the two Vistal green towers will be put to good use; the first tower is about to receive the certification.”

To minimise the use of private cars, the master plan carries a provision for a Communauto station and a BIXI bike station. Proment will also reserve parking spaces for bicycles in each of the buildings to encourage residents to use bike paths. The promoter is also planning large sidewalks decorated with trees to facilitate movement from one boutique to the other to encourage residents and their visitors to take walks in the neighborhood.

Zuni therefore constitutes the first phase of this development plan. Its loft-condos will have areas ranging from 53 and 114 square meters (575 and 1,230 square feet) and will sell at a starting price of $195,000.00 Construction begins in spring 2010 and should be finished by summer 2011.

The implementation of the second phase of development is planned for 2010. It will consist of a tall building right along the river surrounded by townhouses and a five-floor pavilion.

The sales office is now open to the public and information is available on the company’s web site www.pointenord.com.

Photo: pointe nord 40

Photo: zuni 40