Did you ever hear of a tramway terminus disguised as a quaint cottage? Right here before us stands La Maison Blanche. It’s a modest, white-washed building. Yet it holds a unique place in Montreal’s history. La Maison Blanche was built around 1931 by the City of Montreal. It sits on land once owned by William Oliver Smith. The city acquired this land in 1873 to expand Mount Royal Park.
La Maison Blanche served as a rest stop for park visitors at the foot of the mountain. It offered restrooms and even housed a restaurant in the 1930s. But its most fascinating role relates to the tramway. The number 11, known as the “mountain tramway”, began service in 1930. It provided a direct link to the summit of Mount Royal for residents coming from the east. La Maison Blanche, while not a station in the strictest sense, acted as the terminus and waiting area for these tramway users.
La Maison Blanche occupies a unique spot. It is the only building on its irregularly shaped lot. This lot is bordered by Park Avenue and Mont-Royal Avenue West. The access ramp connecting Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine to Park Avenue adds to the unusual shape. This lot, named Place de l’Amérique-Latine in 1982, feels separated from the main park by the access ramp. However, the greenery still connects it to Mount Royal Park. The building is surrounded by grassy areas. Towering mature trees create a peaceful, natural setting.
La Maison Blanche is a single-story structure. Its low profile and white facades make it stand out amidst the urban landscape. The traditional openings and dark-painted wood ornamentation contrast with the white stucco. This highlights its charming architectural features. Look closely at the wooden mullioned windows. Notice the exposed rafters of the roof. The side parapets and the arched transom of the entrance, topped with a keystone, add to its visual appeal.
La Maison Blanche stands alone on its small lot. Its distinctive architecture makes it a unique element within Mount Royal Park. Its history as a rest stop, restaurant, and tramway terminus adds to its charm. It offers a glimpse into Montreal’s past. It demonstrates how a simple building can play a significant role in a city’s development.