Respected Montreal entrepreneur Andrew Lutfy has always been passionate about real estate. With his vision for the unprecedented development of a luxury ecosystem combining a hotel, private residences and a retail and food and beverage complex, this business leader was able to satisfy his taste for avant-garde projects in a city he is particularly fond of: Montreal.

CAN YOU BRIEFLY DESCRIBE THIS NEW PROJECT IN PARTNERSHIP WITH FOUR SEASONS?

This project is a North American first. For the first time, a 250,000 square foot complex will be built with an hotel, private residences, restaurants and luxury shops as well as spaces for special events. In short, this destination will represent the true epicentre of luxury at the very heart of downtown Montreal. Partnering with Four Seasons and everything it represents of course helps to position the project as such.

SPEAKING OF WHICH, WHY DID YOU CHOOSE MONTREAL AS A LUXURY DESTINATION?

I think several elements came together at the right time to create this unique opportunity. The project emerged from the encounter of several stakeholders who were ready to embark on this adventure at the same time and bet big on Montreal, its current renaissance and its ongoing potential as an international destination for luxury consumers. In fact, the stars aligned perfectly so that this prestigious project could happen here and could take shape in a viable way.

THE DESIGN OF THE OF THE FOUR SEASONS HOTEL COMPLEX, ITS PRIVATE RESIDENCES AND THE SURROUNDING SHOPS REQUIRED COLLABORATION WITH BIG NAME ARCHITECTS AND DESIGNERS. CAN YOU SAY A WORD ABOUT THEM?

The interior architecture was entrusted to Gilles & Boissier, a Parisian firm whose reputation is well established. They have created exceptional decors for some of the world’s most iconic hotels that are contemporary but with a very sophisticated European touch. As for the exterior architecture, it’s being handled by Lemay and Sid Lee. Finally, the Montréal architect Philip Hazan, who’s also well known for his luxuriously modern interiors, designed the residential units.

TELL US ABOUT THE FOUR SEASONS HOTEL.

We think it is time for a Four Seasons hotel in the city and the best it has to offer, all with a unique Montreal sensibility. We have tried to capture the allure of Montreal’s sensual and exciting energy in a luxury package and have designed the hotel and the programming with this in mind. The rooms are exquisitely designed and will be complemented by the legendary Four Seasons services. With the newest Holt Renfrew/Ogilvy concept connected directly to the fourth floor, the introduction of the city’s most anticipated new restaurant, and the world-class spa and wellness offerings all within easy reach of each guest, the hotel will act as the most exciting platform from which to experience the city or to have it all, right outside your hotel room.The Four Seasons hotel will also introduce the city’s most engaging grand ballroom, endowed with 20 foot ceilings, which will be able to host 500 people. This event space opens onto to an immense terrace from which you can admire the sunset and the mountain. It is, by far, the biggest luxury ballroom in Montreal. It will, without a doubt, quickly become the go-to location for the city’s most anticipated events.

HOW DOES THIS PROJECT STAND OUT FROM OTHERS?

If you really want to succeed in this market, you have to place the bar so high that nobody else will even dream of coming close to it. That has been our inspiration. Since this type of ecosystem doesn’t exist anywhere else, it’s difficult to find a project capable of rivalling it.

SO EVERYTHING HAS BEEN PLANNED IN ORDER TO MAKE THIS PLACE UNIQUE…

Yes, absolutely, and right from your arrival. Because, like in any relationship, you figure out 80% of it within the first 30 seconds. From the moment you enter the parking garage and experience a valet experience unlike anything you have known, to your first sip of champagne on the terrace, to the moment you greet your guests in the ballroom, the tone is set. You know that you have arrived at Le Palais des Possibles, as we say. Original and unique experiences await in this place where everything is possible.

Text: Renée Henry