A Legacy of Care: The Evolution of the Montreal Chest Institute
The Montreal Chest Institute has a long and meaningful history in the city. It began in 1909 as the Royal Edward Institute, offering care and isolation for people suffering from tuberculosis (TB) — a disease that was once a leading cause of death in Quebec. At a time when sunlight, fresh air, and rest were considered essential parts of treatment, the Institute moved in 1933 to its location on Saint-Urbain Street, right next to Mount Royal Park. Designed specifically as a hospital, the new building provided a peaceful setting for patients, combining thoughtful architecture with the latest medical knowledge of the time. Over the decades, the Institute grew with the addition of a surgical tower in the 1950s and later became part of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC). After the MUHC moved to the Glen site in 2015, the historic building on Saint-Urbain remained vacant for several years.
Breathing New Life Into a Historic Site
Today, the former Montreal Chest Institute is being transformed into a new centre for life sciences research and innovation. Led by CellCarta, NEUF architect(e)s, and Inspire Bio-Innovations, the project will create modern laboratories, startup incubators, and gathering spaces for the next generation of health research. The original 1930s building will be preserved and expanded with five new floors, while the 1950s surgical tower is being adapted into CellCarta’s global headquarters. A glass atrium will connect the two structures, providing space for conferences, teaching, and collaboration. This project not only protects the Institute’s historic character but also helps position Montreal as a leader in biotechnology, supporting Quebec’s goal of becoming one of the top global hubs for life sciences by 2027.
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From Hospital to Medical Research Hub: How the Montreal Chest Institute Adapts to Modern Needs. Arch Daily. By Moises Carrasco. April 3, 2025.