Project Summary

 

Restoring the lighting of Le 9e, “probably the best-preserved art deco restaurant in the world” was a once in a lifetime opportunity for our team. On the 9th floor above a historic department store is a restaurant designated as a protected heritage site, designed in 1931 by Paris architect Jaques Carlu. Le 9e closed in 1999 and remained a time capsule for 25 years. Following extensive restoration, Le 9e reopened in 2024.

The reopening of the space as a restaurant and event venue was the result of a close, continuous collaboration that took years. Le 9e required complex interventions to meet current standards, particularly in terms of lighting, life safety, hygiene, and occupant comfort, without compromising the building’s identity or heritage fabric.

The project goal was to restore the restaurant to its original splendor while preserving its significant heritage value. Upgrades to the lighting system were made to respond to modern illumination targets and energy codes, including the discreet supplementation of decorative lighting with architectural lighting. The existing family of custom lighting was restored using historic photos and existing luminaires as a guide with many components manufactured by local artisans. All luminaires utilize state of the art energy efficient and dimmable LED sources.

Today, the reilluminated Le 9e once again serves as a space for everyday elegance and cultural events while preserving its original design, offering Montrealers and visitors the chance to dine in one of the world’s finest Art Deco interiors.

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