A Legacy Reimagined

600 De La Gauchetière West (600 DLG) is inseparable from National Bank; it served as the institution's headquarters for nearly 40 years, from its construction in 1983 until their recent move to the new tower at 800 Saint-Jacques.

• Building Identity: For Montrealers, "600 De La Gauchetière" has long been referred to simply as the "National Bank Building."

This former headquarters status immediately situates the project geographically and historically.

• Reason for Transformation: It was specifically National Bank’s departure that freed up all 28 floors, enabling this major "active phase" renovation project.

• Changing of the Guard: In 2026, the symbolic transition is completed: the building evolves from the "National Bank HQ" to the future "CN Headquarters."

While remote work has redefined office space needs, this 28-story skyscraper is undergoing extensive structural surgery to become a pillar of urban mixed-use.

A Human and Economic Transformation

The project does more than just refresh a façade; it is a total re-engineering.

Since March 2024, cranes have been active adapting the original concrete slabs and mechanical systems for a high-end residential and mixed vocation.

• Economic Impact: The budget for this transformation is estimated at over $250 million.

This injection into the local economy supports hundreds of specialized jobs in civil engineering, sustainable architecture, and construction trades.

With immense pressure on the Montreal real estate market, converting an existing structure rather than demolishing and rebuilding reduces the carbon footprint by nearly 40% compared to new construction.

Project Technical Sheet

• Address: 600 De La Gauchetière West, Montreal, Quebec.

• Height & Size: 28 floors (138 meters) for a total area of over 710,000 square feet.

• Timeline: Active phase started in 2024. Envelope work completion expected Spring 2025, with major occupation by CN planned by 2028.

• Estimated Budget: Over $250 million.

The Project Team:

• Owner/Developer: Kevric

• Lead Lender: National Bank

• General Contractor: JCB Construction Canada

• Architects: NEUF architect(e)s (Montreal) and WZMH Architects (Toronto)

• Engineering: NCK (Structure), BPA (Mechanical/Electrical), and WSP (Envelope)

Transformation Details

• New Façade: Full replacement with a high-performance curtain wall.

Glazed surfaces have doubled, increasing from one-third to two-thirds of the façade to optimize natural light.

• Decarbonization: Switching from natural gas heating to Quebec hydroelectricity.

• Technology: Integration of smart systems (touchless access, automated controls) targeting LEED Gold, WELL, and Zero Carbon certifications.

600 DLG Floor Breakdown (2026 Data)

Social and Urban Impacts

• Vitality: By redefining the entrance on Beaver Hall Hill and connecting to the RÉSO (Underground City), 600 DLG breaks the isolation of monolithic blocks, favoring the "15-minute city."

• HQ Retention: The major lease with CN ensures thousands of downtown jobs remain, preventing suburban sprawl.

• Financial Performance: 20% reduction The modernization ensures long-term tax revenue for the City of Montreal and an expected in operating energy costs.

600 DLG has become a textbook case for the industry.

It proves that a building's value no longer lies in its age, but in its ability to technologically reinvent itself.