1250 René-Lévesque, formerly known as the "IBM-Marathon Tower," is Montreal, Canada's second-tallest skyscraper, with a roof height of 199 meters (without its spire), and a total height of 226.5 meters including the spire. The height definition follows the city’s National Building Code, which excludes decorative spires, whereas the international Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) includes it, making it Montreal’s tallest building.

This 47-story skyscraper was designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates and completed in 1992. It was constructed between 1988 and 1992 as a project led by IBM and Marathon Realty with an investment of $250 million to consolidate IBM’s operations in Montreal, relocating 1,000 employees from Place Ville Marie.

The building’s location in downtown Montreal serves as a visual boundary between the commercial center and the historically residential west side, a concept inspired by KPF’s Westend Tower in Frankfurt, Germany. It is located next to Bell Centre and Windsor Station, and is connected to the Bonaventure metro station and Montreal’s Underground City.

Architecture

The building’s architecture combines postmodern and neo-modern styles. Its east and west facades differ distinctly: the west facade is a granite-clad wall with square windows and irregular setbacks, facing the residential periphery, while the east facade features a curved glass curtain wall facing the city center, giving a light, suspended effect. A spire extends along the building’s north side, reaching 31 meters beyond the rooftop, aligning with Mount Royal's peak elevation.

Inside, a four-story atrium with a bamboo winter garden, food court, and conference rooms creates a welcoming space. The building connects to Montreal’s Underground City and Bonaventure metro station.

thumb|150px|left|1250 René-Lévesque as seen from the [[Place du Canada.]]

thumb|200px|View from the North, right beside [[La Laurentienne Building.]]

Location and urban integration

Initially intended to be positioned at the edge of downtown Montreal, further development has caused 1250 René-Lévesque to be incorporated into a larger commercial area. The smaller buildings to the west create a staircase effect, guiding the eye from the commercial core toward 1250 René-Lévesque.

Tenants

Major tenants include IBM, Air Liquide, PwC, Deutsche Bank, PSP Investments, and many others in financial, technology, and consulting industries.

  • Air Liquide Canada
  • Bayer
  • BMO Harris Bank
  • Canaccord Financial Inc
  • Chubb Corp.
  • CIBC Wood Gundy
  • Credit Suisse
  • Deutsche Bank
  • Equisoft
  • International Cospas-Sarsat Programme
  • Insight Enterprises
  • Langlois Lawyers LLP
  • LASIK MD
  • Lazard
  • Macquarie Group
  • McKinsey & Company
  • Merrill Lynch Canada
  • Michael Page International
  • PSP Investments
  • PricewaterhouseCoopers
  • Richardson GMP Limited
  • Wells Fargo Equipment Finance

Former tenants

  • Club Privé 47 Inc was located on the 47th floor (between 1995-2011) and was a swinger club.

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File:Montréal Mansfield et De La Gauchetière.jpg|Montreal skyline near Mansfield and De La Gauchetière, showing 1250 René-Lévesque.

File:1250RLevesque~2.jpg|Le 1250 René-Lévesque vu de la Place du Canada.

File:1250 René-Lévesque Ouest, à Montréal.jpg|View of 1250 René-Lévesque Boulevard.

File:St George Anglican Montreal 13.JPG|Saint George Anglican Church in Montreal, located in front of 1250 René-Lévesque.

File:1250 René-Lévesque 08.jpg|Close-up of 1250 René-Lévesque.

</gallery>

See also

  • List of tallest buildings in Montreal

References

  • Official website