PARTHENAIS-PERRAULT II- Montreal

407-413, place Jacques-Cartier
There are actually two houses built side by side in 1812 by Louis Parthenais and son‑in‑law Augustin Perrault. Both were traders in potash, a valuable product obtained by maceration of hard wood ash. It was used for the laundry soap manufacturing, cleaned the sand in the manufacture of glass and even to make permanent colors on printed cotton.

Louis Parthenais owned the 407 building while Augustin Perrault was the owner of 413. After the death of Louis, Augustin bought Louis’ parts from the heirs in 1841. His son Francis became the owner in 1855. After that the heirs of the Perrault family kept it until 1919.

Originally, the 407-413 was rented and a hostel and a tavern occupied the places. It has been rented during almost the entire history of the building, but with different tenants. It bore the name of Hotel St-Louis from 1890 to 1915. Transformations took place in 1842, the façade was rebuilt with stones and broader Windows installed on the street floor.

Between 1979 and 1980, the building has been restored to its original condition. A restaurant still occupies the ground floor. Fortunately, it is now protected by provincial and municipal laws