A bit of history… In 1820, a blacksmith named William Tweddell acquires a 40 feets. width land on Saint-Charles street, with a depth going all the way to Saint-Paul street. The package deal includes a dock, a cowshed and a wooden store.
Later, in 1865, a lawsuit implicating Dorthy Tweddell, widow of William Tweddell, shows that she had ordered, a few years prior, the construction of a two story brick house on Saint-Charles’ street. There is a possibility that it was the Protestant Infant School for wich, two building permits had been signed in 1850, by the notary E.G. Cannon. The plans, prepared by the achitects « Browne & Lecourt » indicate that the groundwork, the windows sills and the steps had to be in stone and the façades were to be made with bricks. The lawsuit also mentions that the building had burned down shortly after its construction and that it had been rebuilt right after the event. In 1867, the founder Thomas Tweddell sells the property to Alexander Learmounth and John Gasnold. At the time, a machinery shop and a forge were located in the backyard along Saint-Paul’ street.
The 1910-1916’s Atlas Goad indicates a four story brick-building used as a storehouse and as a factory. It is the building currently located at 253-255 Saint-Paul’ street. It has probably been constructed by the National Breweries Ltd or the F.H. Andrews & Son’s company around 1910. Contrary to most storehouse in the area, its holed scattered façade with lowered arch windows is richly adorned. These multi toned brick walls, draw different original patterns : pilasters, stripes, angle wall ties and rims.
In 1956, the building is owned by Hormidas and wilbrod Langlais. During these years, it has been seriously damaged by fire. The east part, that had been rebuilt later, brought on the original brick disparity. Jean-Marie Fournier, one of the famous architects that worked troughout the 60’s and the 70’s, designed the reconstruction’s plans. In 1988, both sash-windows have been replaced by new windows, similar in appearance, but whose lower part has an inward flap opening. Magnificent brick arrangements give this commercial building a great architectural value.
In 1996, the building housed many company offices acquired by the “Société en Commandite Coutellier”. After many departures from various renting companies, the Coutellier family decides to transform the building that had been used exclusively as a commercial space and a warehouse, into a 24 bedroom hotel. During the years 1998 and 2000, the architects Benoît Thérien and Hélène Thibault complete the outside restoration and the “Hôtel des Coutellier” opens officially in September of 2000. In 2003, the addition of a marquee and an all-wood entrance door gives the façade a brand new look. An up-to-date conference room is incorporated in 2004 and the lobby area is widened in 2008. This 24 bedroom hotel stands proudly on the Old market place and brings its contribution to the revival and the economic dynamism of the neighbourhood.
In 1996, the building housed many company offices acquired by the “Société en Commandite Coutellier”. After many departures from various renting companies, the Coutellier family decides to transform the building that had been used exclusively as a commercial space and a warehouse, into a 24 bedroom hotel. During the years 1998 and 2000, the architects Benoît Thérien and Hélène Thibault complete the outside restoration and the “Hôtel des Coutellier” opens officially in September of 2000. In 2003, the addition of a marquee and an all-wood entrance door gives the façade a brand new look. An up-to-date conference room is incorporated in 2004 and the lobby area is widened in 2008. This 24 bedroom hotel stands proudly on the Old market place and brings its contribution to the revival and the economic dynamism of the neighbourhood.
