William Alexander Molson House

☆ Save On Wikipedia ↗
William Alexander Molson House
View of the house in 1989
Interactive map of the William Alexander Molson House area
General information
Architectural style
Edwardian architecture
LocationMontreal, Quebec, Canada, 892 Sherbrooke Street West
Coordinates45°30′12″N 73°34′29″W / 45.50333°N 73.57472°W / 45.50333; -73.57472
Completed1906
ClientWilliam Alexander Molson
Technical details
MaterialGrey limestone
Design and construction
ArchitectRobert Findlay

The William Alexander Molson House, sometimes called the W. A. Molson House, is an Edwardian residence located in Montreal's Golden Square Mile. Built in 1906 for Dr. W.A. Molson, it stands today as a testament to the grand residences that once lined this section of Sherbrooke Street and McGill College Avenue.[1]

History

The building was designed by Montreal architect Robert Findlay for physician William Alexander Molson, a member of the Molson family.[2] The residence, built of grey limestone, is representative of early 20th-century Edwardian architecture.[1] Its richly carved entrance gate reflects the influence of the Jacobean style, then popular in North America.[1]

Dr. Molson lived in the house for only a few years.[3] He died on January 4, 1920, from heart disease.[4] In 1925, the house was converted into a residence and offices.[3] The house previously belonged to McGill University, which had established its space research institute there.[3] In 1978, the university repaired the main entrance.[3]

In 1992, the house underwent a major reconstruction: only the front façade was preserved, while the interior was completely redesigned.[1] The building currently houses the private investment firm Distinction Capital.[5]

A commemorative plaque on the façade recalls Dr. Molson's commitment to Montreal's underprivileged population.[1]

References

  1. "Maison Dr. Molson/Avenue McGill College Historical Marker". HMDB.org. Retrieved 5 January 2026.
  2. "Dr. William Alexander Molson (1852–1920) - American Aristocracy". American Aristocracy. Retrieved 5 January 2026.
  3. Rémillard, François; Merrett, Brian (1986). Demeures bourgeoises de Montréal: Le Mille Carré Doré 1850–1930 (in French). Montreal: Les Éditions du Méridien. pp. 182–183. ISBN 2-920417-08-8.
  4. "Le Dr. W. Molson décédé". BAnQ (in French). La Tribune (Sherbrooke). 5 January 1920. Retrieved 6 January 2026.
  5. "Distinction Capital". Distinction Capital (in French). Retrieved 6 January 2026.