Martlet House

In 1928, a grand Scottish baronial style building arose on Peel Street. This is Martlet House. It stands as a testament to Montreal’s rich history. Martlet House, originally known as Seagram House, wasn’t always a university hub. It began as the Montreal headquarters for the Seagram Company Ltd., a name synonymous with fine spirits. The building itself is a work of art, designed by architect David Jerome Spence. Over the years, it saw expansions in 1931, 1947, and 1955, each addition weaving a new layer into its story. In 2002, the building’s destiny took a turn. Vivendi Universal, having merged with Seagram, made a generous donation. They gifted Martlet House to McGill University. The university invested $1.5 million in renovations. They transformed the former liquor headquarters into a home for their Development and Alumni Relations department in 2004. Interestingly, the name “Martlet House” has graced other buildings before this one. A property on University Street and later a stone mansion at 3605 De la Montagne Street both held the title. This previous Martlet House, designed by Robert Findlay, has its own intriguing history. Built in 1925, it was originally home to Alice Graham Hallward. She was the wife of Bernard Marsham Hallward and the only child of newspaper magnate Hugh Graham, 1st Baron Atholstan. So, as you stand before Martlet House, you’re not just looking at a building. You are witnessing a piece of Montreal’s history, a blend of commerce and academia, and a testament to the enduring spirit of the city.