Content and news - Landerz

Transaction Closed — The Samuel Bronfman House, a Heritage Building in the Golden Square Mile, Changes Hands

Written by Landerz | 14.08.2026

Landerz announces the completion of a $4,800,000 transaction for 1590 Docteur-Penfield Avenue, at the corner of Côte-des-Neiges Road, in Montreal's Golden Square Mile.

Mandated by Concordia University (the "Seller") as exclusive broker, Landerz led a request for proposals process that resulted in the sale of the building, which closed with a notarial deed of sale on July 7, 2026.

A Heritage Building Designed by Fred Lebensold

Known as the Samuel Bronfman Building — named for the philanthropist and Seagram's empire founder — the property was built in 1970 for the Canadian Jewish Congress, then transferred to Concordia University in 1999. Its triangular structure, designed by architect Fred Lebensold, is recognized by DOCOMOMO for its exceptional architectural value. The site retains Walter Redinger's Totems (1972), an outdoor sculpture the deed of sale requires the new owner to preserve.

An Exceptional Location at the Foot of Mount Royal

The property benefits from an exceptional location within the Golden Square Mile, at the corner of Docteur-Penfield Avenue and Côte-des-Neiges Road. At the foot of Mount Royal, it sits within close proximity to downtown, Concordia University, and the Guy-Concordia metro station.

Current zoning (category M.3C) allows for a range of potential uses, including residential and commercial. An adjacent lot of approximately 6,500 sq ft, owned by the City of Montreal, completes the site.

Property Details

The land totals 12,554 sq ft, supporting a 27,240 sq ft building spread over six levels, including a rooftop garden and 10 parking spaces.

Landerz's Expertise in Complex Transactions

The main challenge of this transaction lay in targeting the right potential buyers for a prestigious asset with a unique history and architecture. Proposals received were evaluated notably on buyers' financial capacity and experience closing transactions of similar scale. The merit of the proposed redevelopment project was also considered, given the building's constraints — its acceptability, feasibility, potential for realization, risks, and fit with the context.

Landerz congratulates Concordia University and the building's new owner on the completion of this transaction, and thanks all professionals who contributed to the process.

Sylvain Bernèche (Landerz) acted as broker representing the seller.