Amy Barratt and I have just listed a pretty special duplex in Mile-Ex (more about that name and neighborhood in a bit.)
7022-7024 Clark St. is a typical turn-of-the-century Montreal duplex. The upper unit, which will be available to the buyer, features three bedrooms, a large living room at the front and a big eat-in kitchen.
The bathroom is large, with a skylight, old-fashioned tub and has washer and dryer hook-ups.
All in all, this is a a big comfortable place with plenty of light and apleasing old soul.
Off the back balcony, the secret world of old Italian vegetable gardens, riotous flowers, trees and low-slung rooftops. A pocket of green in the heart of the city.
Off the back balcony, the secret world of old Italian vegetable gardens, riotous flowers, trees and low-slung rooftops. A pocket of green in the heart of the city.
The downstairs unit is currently rented at $1100 a month. The tenant shares the fenced backyard and has a vegetable garden.
What sets this property apart form others in the neighborhood is the detached two-storey building in the back yard. Probably once used as a shed, this concrete block on slab construction has been converted into a 225-square-foot completely insulated, fully wired and entirely finished studio space. With its original wood floors, new windows and skylights, the space is sunny and inviting. Accessible by a catwalk from the second floor or by an exterior winding staircase from the yard, this haven of creativity is something special.
The ground floor of the studio space is raw - concrete block walls with high ceilings and plenty of potential. It is currently used for storage but has been used as a carpentry shop, ceramic- and paint studios. The space is waiting for you and your projects.
The current owner purchased the place in 2001 and has spent good money on renovations. The main roof and the roof of the studio building were both redone. New skylights were installed. Windows were changed. Bricks have been repointed, plumbing and electrical brought into the 21st century.
The current owner purchased the place in 2001 and has spent good money on renovations. The main roof and the roof of the studio building were both redone. New skylights were installed. Windows were changed. Bricks have been repointed, plumbing and electrical brought into the 21st century.
The last time I wrote about Mile-Ex, a reader nearly took my head off. He insisted that Mile-Ex was a made-up name invented by invading hipsters. Maybe, if so blame La Presse which first publicized the name back in 2010. To some it is and will remain Little Italy, though that name doesn't quite capture the 'hood's adventurous new spirit.
To others, secteur Alexandra-Marconi sounds best. I even like WeLiTa, for West of Little Italy. Call it whatever you will, this is one lively neighborhood, a mix of old industrial buildings that increasingly house film and TV production houses, architects and designers, small manufcaturers and importers. There are early 20th century duplexes and triplexes and a number of new condo developments, either fresh built or sprung from the hulks of long gone factories.
Throw in Jean-Talon market, the nightlife and grocery shopping of the Upper Main and the many cool little restos in the area - I'm looking at you Depanneur Le Pick Up, Dinette Triple Crown, Manitoba, Café Guerrero and drinkeries like Alexanderplatz and the spanking new Brasserie Harricana and you've got the makings of a vibrant and engaging neighborhood.
Asking price $560,000.
Who wants in?
