Did you know that Desmarchais-Crawford, sometimes called West Verdun, has a fascinating mix of old and new? Right here in this neighbourhood, you’ll find dense residential buildings from the early 20th century. You’ll also see the large Douglas Hospital campus and the more suburban style of Crawford Park. These different architectural styles tell the story of Desmarchais-Crawford’s growth over the years. The area west of rue Desmarchais, known as Moffat, was built up between 1920 and 1930. These buildings, known as “plexes”, are typical Montreal apartment buildings. They often have layered apartments and distinctive winding staircases and balconies. Then, starting in 1945, the Crawford Park area was developed. It has a distinctly different, more suburban feel compared to the rest of Verdun. This area breaks away from the typical orthogonal grid pattern of the older parts of Verdun. It is a testament to the changing times and urban planning preferences after World War II. John Crawford, a wealthy financier and prominent Montreal businessman, played a key role in Verdun’s development. His name lives on in this neighbourhood through Crawford Park and rue Crawford. Desmarchais-Crawford is a testament to Verdun’s rapid growth and transformation in the early 20th century. It reflects the changing needs and preferences of Montreal residents.
Parc Dickie-Moore
Who needs a time machine when you’ve got Parc Dickie-Moore? This little slice of Parc-Extension holds a century of Montreal