On June 13, 2026, artists working in Montreal’s Mile‑Ex neighbourhood voiced concern that a redevelopment plan targeting the site at 435 Beaubien Avenue West could lead to the loss of their studio building. The red‑brick industrial structure, situated at the corner of Beaubien Avenue West and Durocher Street, has long served as a hub for creative work in the area.
The building, known for its iconic appearance, has housed artist studios for many years, providing space for a variety of artistic practices. Its location on Beaubien Avenue West has made it a recognizable feature of the Mile‑Ex landscape.
According to the artists, the proposed redevelopment threatens to erase a piece of the neighbourhood’s cultural infrastructure. They point to the building’s historic role in supporting local art production and its contribution to the character of the district.
The redevelopment plan, which has not been detailed publicly, is aimed at the site that includes the address 435 Beaubien Avenue West. Artists fear that the project could result in the demolition or significant alteration of the existing structure, thereby displacing the studios that have operated there for an extended period.
Community members and stakeholders have been made aware of the artists’ concerns as the plan moves forward. The situation highlights the tension between development initiatives and the preservation of spaces that have historically supported creative activity in Montreal.
The Mile‑Ex artists continue to monitor the progress of the redevelopment proposal, emphasizing the importance of the studio building to their work and to the cultural fabric of the neighbourhood.