Historic Paradis Cinema in Mercier Listed for Sale After years of Decline
After 16 years of visible deterioration,the historic Paradis cinema in Montreal’s Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve borough has been put up for sale. The listing follows years of resident complaints regarding the building’s neglected state and escalating concerns over safety and aesthetics.
The sale of the cinema, originally built in 1954 as the Capri, marks a pivotal moment for the neighborhood. While the building’s condition has sparked frustration,its cultural importance as the launching pad for the Guzzo Empire and a landmark in Tétreaultville has fueled debate over its future. The listing comes after two petitions in 2021-one advocating for preservation, the other for conversion into social housing-garnered over 2,000 signatures, highlighting the community’s divided hopes for the site.
The current owner has faced public criticism for allowing the building to fall into disrepair. One resident questioned, “How can he believe that municipal regulations apply to everyone except him?” and accused the owner of showing “contempt for his neighbors” through years of inaction. the lack of maintenance has led to issues with vermin and vandalism, further exasperating local residents.
Historian and director of the History Atelier Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, Olivier Dufresne, emphasized the cinema’s importance, stating it is indeed “an critically important witness to the history of Mercier, and even Quebec, as it is the cinema that launches the Guzzo Empire.” Dufresne hopes that potential buyers and the borough will consider the building’s historical value, especially the cinema’s original branding, and assess elements for conservation.
The future of the Paradis cinema remains uncertain. The borough and prospective developers will now need to weigh the building’s historical significance against the costs of renovation or the potential benefits of redevelopment. The sale price and the buyer’s intentions are expected to be revealed in the coming months.
