1000 de la Gauchetière was built to the design of Lemay & Associates and Dimakopoulos & Associates architects in 1992. The 51-floor postmodern tower rises to the maximum height approved by the city--the elevation of Mont Royal--at 205-meters. Measured to its roof, the tower is the tallest building in Montréal, but is surpassed by both
1250 René-Lévesque and the CIBC Tower when spires are considered. Built on lower ground than other towers in the city, 1000 de la Gauchetière appears shorter as part of the skyline from certain angles despite its height.
The postmodern design features a distinctive triangular copper roof as well as four copper-capped rotunda entrances at the tower base corners, inspired by the bordering Cathédrale Marie-Reine du Monde. The semi-spherical corner caps mirror the shape of the half-moon windows of neighbouring Marriott Château Champlain hotel, which were themselves inspired by the arches of the adjoining Windsor Station. The street-level architecture projecting out in a distinct style, reducing the visual and psychological impact of the entire building from this viewpoint. Inside, past an atrium planted with live trees, is an indoor skating rink bordered by cafés.
When it was built, 1000 de la Gauchetière was owned jointly by Bell Canada Enterprises and Teleglobe. In 2002, SITQ, a division of the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDP Capital), bought the building for $184 million CAD.
