Doesn’t the name Quartier Cavendish sound more modern? Cavendish Mall also known as Quartier Cavendish stands here in Côte Saint-Luc. It opened in August 1973.
This indoor shopping center has seen many changes. It once featured an office building and a medical clinic, CLSC René Cassin. In 2011, a significant redevelopment reduced the mall’s size by almost half.
Let’s talk about its history. Cavendish Mall had high hopes. Its original anchors included Eaton’s, Warshaw’s, Steinberg’s, and Miracle Mart. Over time things shifted. Warshaw’s became Canadian Tire in 1978.
Around that time Miracle Mart closed. The space became Lupton Duval and later Caplan Duval. A Cineplex Odeon also moved in.
In 1991, J and R Kosher Meat and Delicatessen opened adding a unique flavor. Steinberg’s closed in 1992. IGA took over that space. Firestone became Pneus Expert in 1995.
The mid to late 90s brought more change. Consumers Distributing closed in 1996. Scotiabank acquired National Trust in 1997. Eaton’s closed in 1998. A Superclub Videotron then occupied part of the space.
The early 2000s were tough. In 2005, Canadian Tire closed and RadioShack became The Source By Circuit City. The Gap closed in 2006. Music World, Browns Shoes, and The Source closed in 2007. Dollarama opened in part of the old Canadian Tire space.
The late 2000s didn’t bring much good news either. Caplan Duval and Superclub Videotron closed in 2009. By 2010, 40% of the mall was demolished for residential housing. Cavendish Mall was rebranded as Quartier Cavendish in 2011. Staples closed in 2015. Econofitness gym opened in its place. In 2018, McDonald’s closed. Cineplex Odeon closed in 2020. CinéStarz Deluxe moved in.
The goal of the 2007 consolidation was clear. Owners wanted to reduce the mall and consolidate tenants. In 2010, remaining tenants moved to the north end. Demolition of the south end began in October 2010. By December 2010, the demolition was complete.
Cavendish Mall was reduced to 250000 square feet. It now had room for 55 stores and a children’s play area. The former Caplan Duval site became the CLSC Rene Cassin. The demolished section saw new roads sidewalks and townhouses.
But here is an odd fact. David Cronenberg’s 1977 film Rabid includes scenes shot in Cavendish Mall.
Cavendish Mall faced challenges due to an aging population. Key closures like Eaton’s and Canadian Tire hurt. Caplan Duval, The Source, Gap, and others also closed. By the 2000s, the southern half was largely vacant. It was often considered a dead mall. Today Quartier Cavendish stands smaller but still serves the community. It shows resilience and adaptation.