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Saint Roch-de-l’Achigan City Hall7Located in a small farming community just outside of <a href="http://inhabitat.com/naturhumaine-brightens-an-entire-street-with-one-colorful-home-renovation-in-montreal/" target="_blank">Montreal</a>, the Saint Roch-de-l’Achigan convent was built in 1881 and has been a cherished area landmark ever since. When time came to <a href="http://inhabitat.com/architecture/" target="_blank">renovate</a> the building, <a href="http://www.affleck-delariva.ca/" target="_blank">Affleck de la Riva Architectes</a> were charged with the delicate task of giving the historic building a modern makeover without eliminating its old-world charm.1
Saint Roch-de-l’Achigan City Hall4The main focus in converting the historic building into municipal offices was to re-establish the structure's presence as a community pillar.2
Saint Roch-de-l’Achigan City Hall8In order to bridge the old building's traditional presence with its new modern functions, the architects decided to update the building's old characteristics as much as possible while adding an elegant contemporary addition that would function as the new entry lobby.3
Saint Roch-de-l’Achigan City Hall3The new rust-colored "glazed stair tower" is modern in style, but meant to pay homage to the old convent's central bell-tower.4
Saint Roch-de-l’Achigan City HallBy leaving the old facade and adding the new entry on the corner of the building, the new aesthetic manages to emit a modern day energy that still pays homage to the building's long history.5
Saint Roch-de-l’Achigan City HallOn the interior, the architects decided to leave the original layout and restore the original features such as the ornate plaster vault, decorative columns and stained-glass windows.6
Saint Roch-de-l’Achigan City Hall5The remaining interior spaces were repurposed as the city's new the municipal council chambers.7
