Perched between the towers of Maestria Condominiums, Quebec's tallest skybridge offers breathtaking views of Montreal. MTL Blog got an exclusive tour of the suspended walkway overlooking the city from 325 feet in the air, and a top-floor penthouse elevated much higher.
Looking up at the Maestria skybridge.Sofia Misenheimer | MTL Blog
The skybridge, on the 26th floor, is an event space that connects the two tallest residential towers in the whole province. Vistors get a panoramic view stretching from Jeanne-Mance Park at the foot of Mount Royal to the Shepard Fairey mural in the Plateau, and beyond.
The Olympic Stadium pierces the horizon on one side, while on the other, the iconic Farine Five Roses sign radiates its familiar glow. On a clear day, you can even see past the US border.
Warm lighting at sunset hits seats along the windowed walkway connecting the Maestria towers.Sofia Misenheimer | MTL Blog
The height of luxury
The Maestria towers are an architectural marvel. When completed, the mega-structure will house up to 2,500 residents, equivalent to the entire population of Cap-Chat in Gaspésie.
"That's why we call it a vertical village," said Maestria spokesperson Marco Fontaine.
The sheer scale of the buildings is mind-boggling, with 100,000 cubic meters of excavation, enough to fill 40 Olympic pools, and 80,000 cubic metres of concrete, a quarter of what was used in the Olympic Stadium.
"The name 'Maestria' suggests mastery, ease, and perfection," said Fontaine. "We see the project as a work of art."
The number of workers on-site at one time peaked at 450, contributing over 2.6 million hours so far. Eight new babies have been born into the families of the construction team since the development began, and have been dubbed "Maestria babies."
The view of Place des Arts from the walkway.Sofia Misenheimer | MTL Blog
The skybridge itself is an engineering feat, weighing over 125,000 pounds — more than a Boeing 737. It spans 30 metres (approximately 100 feet) and can accommodate up to 1,700 people, moving with it's connecting buildings so that it won't break.
Designed as a lounge, the space offers an exceptional vantage point to enjoy the best shows in Place des Festivals.
Will and Mike seated on the Maestria skybridge.Sofia Misenheimer | MTL Blog
Maestria holds 1,042 condos and 700 rental apartments, along with 40,000 square feet of common areas, including office and commercial spaces. The condos, priced from $776,000 to over $810,700, offer a glimpse into a life of grandeur. The first tower is already 70% complete, with 86% of the condos sold and 88% of the apartments rented.
Construction of Maestria came with its challenges. Builders had to navigate Montreal's unpredictable weather, strategically planning construction during less windy periods to ensure the stability of the skybridge. The walkway alone took over 1,500 hours in factory-made parts and contributions from more than 100 workers.
The view of downtown Montreal from the skybridge, facing south.Sofia Misenheimer | MTL Blog
Inside the penthouse
The penthouse suites at Maestria, on the 56th to 61st floors, offers some of the most stunning views in Montreal. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide a 360-degree view, and the open floor plan with high ceilings adds to the spacious feel.
Private terraces allow residents to soak in the cityscape from above, provided they can handle the wind whipping their hair at over 600 feet. For perspective, you can just about see over Place Ville Marie from the west wing.
At that height, people on the street look like ants. It’s almost like being on a plane, with the whole city laid out beneath you.
Sofia wears a hardhat in front of a penthouse window overlooking the south side of downtown Montreal.Will Prince | MTL Blog
The upper floors remain under construction. Little notes everywhere warn visitors not to open the windows.
Still, it's easy to imagine waking up to the sun rising over the river while you prepare breakfast or watching the sun set behind Mont Royal as you lounge in the living room.
A private high-speed elevator to reach the top floors is a semi-terrifying ride. Our ears popped on the descent — it's that high up.
A pink sticker on a penthouse window reads, "Ne pas ouvrir."Sofia Misenheimer | MTL Blog
The penthouse units here comes with a hefty price tag, around $4 million. But for those who can afford it, the views and luxurious layout make Maestria a unique and prestigious home in the heart of Montreal.
Maestria Condominiums
The entrance to Maestria in downtown Montreal.
Where: 1245, rue de Bleury
