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Excitement was in the air on September 26th at the Quartier des Spectacles: Devimco Immobilier, in partnership with Fonds immobilier de solidarité FTQ and Fiera Properties, broke ground on their project Maestria Condominiums. This will be the largest residential project ever built in Montreal and will provide future residents with a spectacular vantage point on Montreal’s artistic and cultural life.

 

In the heart of the metropolis’ Quartier des Spectacles, on the site of the mythical Spectrum de Montreal, Maestria Condominiums provides all culture and art lovers with the ideal location for enjoying all the city’s activities. Developed by renowned firm Lemay, the project’s architecture is itself a nod to the Quartier des Spectacles. The two asymmetrical towers of 57 and 61 floors respectively evoke a symphony through fluidity and movement. In addition, the towers of the über-luxurious apartment complex will be linked by the highest residential aerial skyway across two floors in Quebec, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the Place des Festivals.

 

Inspired by the arts, beauty and creativity, Maestria Condominiums draws its architectural essence from the proportions of the golden ratio, a symbol of the ideal that makes it possible to attain ultimate harmony. An incredible promotional video was also launched at the same time as the second phase of the project, referencing Leonardo de Vinci’s famous Vitruvian Man and celebrating the magic of the arts. A first in the real estate market in Quebec.

 

 

“This creation embodies the emotional and sensational effect of art, whether it’s through dance, singing, music, visual arts or writing. Our goal was to personify these different forms of art by demonstrating that the residents of Maestria Condominiums will be an integral part of this artistic sector of Montreal,” explains Marco Fontaine, Vice-President of Devimco Immobilier Real Estate Development, Residential and Marketing sectors. The video will be projected continuously in the sales office and will be visible to passersby on Sainte-Catherine Street West.

 

Dining room

Library

Outdoor pool

A Unique Living Environment

Targeting LEED certification, the project will incorporate best practices in sustainable development and eco-responsibility. Green spaces, a commercial centre, multiple relaxation areas, sports facilities: Maestria Condominiums residents will enjoy a refined living space with over 40,000 square feet of common space.

 

In addition, a public area featuring signature restaurants, entertainment venues, local shops and services, as well as a business centre will be accessible to all.

While 75% of the 438 condos in the first tower sold out in just a few months, project partners took advantage of the ground breaking ceremony to officially announce the sale of the second tower, which will include 611 condominiums and 340 rental units. Will you be one of the lucky few?

 

  • 1,750 residential 300- to 2,200- ft. units
  • 40,000 sq. ft. of common space
  • Green space promoting urban biodiversity
  • Public area accessible to all
  • Fitness room, spa, indoor and outdoor pools
  • Two sky lounges with terraces on the 26th and 27th floors
  • Piano lounge and creative spaces
  • Game room and virtual golf room
  • Dining room, film screening room, library and business centre
  • Spacious lobby
  • Indoor parking
  • 50,000 sq. ft. commercial centre

 

www.maestriacondos.com

 

Text: Diane Stehle

Photos: © Devimco Immobilier

Autumn makes us want to cozy up and prepare delicious and aromatic dishes that waft throughout the house…

Novels

Let the Mask Come off

“This book is the story of my lies. It is undoubtedly the riskiest work I’ll ever produce.” For a few years now, Alexandre Jardin has gone on a journey of becoming authentic. This novel is the culmination of his process. The author of Fanfanreveals thirty years of imposture, both in his personal life as in his novels. A confession of honesty, this book is a powerful reflection on the power of literature, its ability to falsify reality, but also profess the truth of he who embraces that reality full body and soul.

 

Le roman vrai d’Alexandre, d’Alexandre Jardin – Éd. de l’Observatoire

 

A Spark of Light

Who is this father who decides one day to take hostage the staff and patients of a clinic specialized in abortions? Through the fate of a host of characters, Jodi Picoult takes advantage of this nightmarish day to intelligently address the issue of abortion, while also exploring ethnic and cultural diversity, homosexuality and freedom. With finesse, the author of Small Great Things continues her exploration of taboos in America.

 

A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult   ̶ Ballantine books

 

A Romantic Fable

On the island where Samuel lives, men obey their wives. Beware of the one who tries to be emancipated, because armed vigils monitor the streets. Married, he must satisfy the wishes of his Madame and be quiet. What becomes of an easily dispensable man in a world where women dominate all spheres of society? With all the finesse and fearlessness that characterize his work, the author of L’orangeraie gives us a fictional fable that undermines our prejudices and asks the burning question about power relations between the sexes.

 

Le deuxième mari de Larry Tremblay   ̶Éd. Alto

 

Beautiful Books

Eat Well and Get Moving

Alexandra Diaz, journalist, host and co-author of the bestselling Famille futée cookbooks comes back to us this time with over 100 delicious and festive recipes. With a break from your routine brunch and lunch options, Diaz offers punchy tacos, colourful salads and spectacular sandwiches. All dishes have the sports nutritionist Melanie Olivier’s seal of approval. Passionate about walking and running, Alexandra also informs us on the benefits of running in both our physical and mental health. She also includes her coach’s advice, Pierre Léveillé, Olympic athlete and owner of the store Endurance. In short, if you want to get fit while you feast, this is your book!

 

Fiesta Santé, Mes recettes et mes trucs pour commencer à bouger et être débordante d’énergie by Alexandra Diaz   ̶  Éd. de l’Homme

 

© Annie-France Charbonneau

Simply Delicious

Yotam Ottolenghi is a columnist, host, and owner of famous delis and Mediterranean restaurants in London. Author of seven bestselling cookbooks including Plenty and Sweet, Ottolenghi offers us dishes that will delight those who love easy and tasty cooking. Brunch, vegetable, grains, pasta, meat, fish and dessert! There are 140 delicious recipes for everyday meals… and feasts for special occasions.

 

Simple by Yotam Ottolenghi – Appetite by Random House

 

Forest Treasures

This masterful book is more than just a cookbook. A true bible of Quebec’s edible plants, it puts forth ancestral knowledge and gives us the key to rediscover the forgotten treasures of our wild land. Practical and poetic, it contains more than 100 recipes to prepare forest delights.

 

FORÊT, Identifier, cueillir, cuisiner by Ariane Paré-Le Gal et Gérald Le Gal ̶  Éd. Cardinal

 

Gourmet and Meetless Kitchen

Jean-Philippe Cyr from La cuisine de Jean-Philippe is back with 100 new recipes inspired by our grandmothers’ classics. Both funny and seductive, this book delivers the greatest hits from yesterday to today in 100% vegan style: cipaille (a traditional French Canadian dish, literally translated as “six doughs”), carrot cake, meatball stew, onion soup, homemade donuts… Inescapable comfort food interpreted by the vegan star’s magic touch.

 

Mes grands classiques véganes by Jean-Philippe Cyr   ̶ Éd.Cardinal

 

Fun and Practical

It’s about time: the most popular vegan in Quebec, Caroline Huard aka Loounie, finally launches her first cookbook. She reveals more than 100 vegan recipes without any processed products (or almost!). Loounie offers up great tips and tricks to have more fun and less stress in the kitchen.

 

Loounie cuisine : astuces et recettes 100 % végétales by Caroline Huard   ̶ KO Éditions

 

© Dominique Lafond

 

Text: Diane Stehle

Wolff Pedelec Inc., electric bicycle manufacturer and retailer, is the newest business venture for Allan Kruger and his partner, Nick Vouloumanos. The two seasoned businessmen are riding high on the current surge in the electric bicycle industry. And with their additional start-up, Wolff Motion Control, they are developing a unique Canadian patented technology set to revolutionize the light electric vehicle industry. CEO Allan Kruger shares his insights. 

WHY DID YOU START WOLFF PEDELEC INC.?

I entered the electrical bicycle business four years ago because I was looking for a useful, dynamic, and lifestyle-oriented industry in which our company could be a major player. I started Wolff Pedelec Inc. a year ago with my business partner, Nick Vouloumanos, as we firmly believe that the future of personal transportation devices lies in the light electric vehicle industry. The current pandemic and the global shift towards cleaner energies and means of transportation have only reinforced our views. 

WHAT SETS WOLFF E-BIKES APART?

Wolff E-Bikes offer a unique combination of style, comfort, and performance, in addition to high-quality value-added components, at an affordable price point. We have a wide selection of models (named after constellations and stars) including city, hybrid, folding, tricycle, and fat tire bikes—in an array of gorgeous colours and with cool features!

 

WHAT IS THE GROWTH POTENTIAL OF THE E-BIKE INDUSTRY IN YOUR OPINION?

We are witnessing an explosive growth in this industry in North America, like what happened and continues to happen in Europe. The North American e-bike market was valued at USD 700 million in 2020, and it is expected to reach USD 1.44 billion by 2026. Wolff E-Bikes is positioned to be a premiere brand; we have grown continuously since we were established, and our range of e-bikes is currently available in top retail stores across Canada and the USA.

WHAT IS YOUR STRATEGY FOR NAVIGATING THE CURRENT WORLDWIDE SUPPLY CHAIN SHORTAGE?

I decided to take a bold stand last year by committing to our projected sales for the next two years and purchasing our inventory all at once. Therefore, we are in the coveted position of offering our clients immediate delivery and in-stock inventory. The biggest complaint we have heard from our retailers is the lack of continuity and inventory from other suppliers.

 

As an entrepreneur, I have a lot of empathy for anyone in business today, as it takes nerves of steel to deal with the highs and lows of the current supply chain. Hopefully, some regulations can be put into place to prevent such turbulent price irregularities.

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU MOST ABOUT YOUR COMPANY?

Firstly, I am thrilled to go to work in the morning and so is my team! Our industry is dynamic, promotes exercise and a healthy lifestyle and is geared (pun intended) towards zero emissions. Especially with the latter, I am glad to offer consumers a solution against climate change. Also, as a manufacturer and a retailer, I get so much satisfaction when I see clients leaving with excited smiles after testing and purchasing an e-bike.

 

In addition, my partners and I have started another company, Wolff Motion Control Inc., which is a game changer in the electric bike and light vehicle industry. This revolutionary transmission technology is truly exciting and the team at both Wolff entities is fully on board for this amazing ride!

 

www.wolffebikes.com

 

 

 

Text: Nadia Sofia Segato