The James Bay Eeyou Corporation and JHD Immobilier have announced their intention to bid on the acquisition of the former Hudson’s Bay building in downtown Montreal, located at 585 Sainte-Catherine Street West. With a $400 million investment, the developers plan to transform this iconic building into a museum and cultural hub, celebrating the heritage and contemporary vitality of the Cree Nation.
“This building represents much more than a commercial acquisition; it embodies over 350 years of shared history between our people and the Hudson’s Bay Company. We see this project as a way to give the building new life while preserving its soul,” said Henry Gull, President of the James Bay Eeyou Corporation.
“The formal sale process has not yet started, but it will begin imminently. Since this is a bankruptcy process, the court-appointed receiver is responsible for running the sale. Purchase offers will be submitted in the coming weeks.
“The goal is to open the museum and hotel in 2029. Extensive renovations will be required, while carefully preserving the building’s historical significance. This project carries significant cultural, economic, and historical importance for Montréal. It offers a “full circle” moment, transforming a heritage building into a space that highlights Cree and First Nations culture and shares it with Montréalers and visitors.
“It represents a way for the Cree Nation to return to Montréal in style, celebrating our heritage and sharing it with both tourists and locals. For many Cree families, grandparents once worked for Hudson’s Bay. This project honours that contribution and creates a lasting cultural legacy within the history of Montréal and Canada.
“JHD Immobilier and the James Bay Eeyou Corporation are working in partnership. JHD brings technical expertise and a track record in restoring historic buildings, while the Cree contribute their cultural perspective and strong experience in the hospitality sector, where they already operate multiple hotels in their region.”
A Landmark Project in the Heart of Downtown
The proposed redevelopment includes a museum dedicated to the fur trade and exchanges between the Cree and the Hudson’s Bay Company, as well as an urban Indigenous cultural centre, experiential spaces, retail showcases, mixed-use facilities, and a hotel complex. The venue will serve as a place of gathering, learning, and sharing for Montrealers and visitors alike, said officials.
A Project of Healing and Reconciliation
For the Cree Nation, the initiative goes beyond a real estate transaction.
“We return today not to trade furs, but to reclaim a place that our ancestors never left in their hearts,” said Gull.
Julien Hamel-Doyon, President of JHD Real Estate, added: “This initiative reflects our values of urban development and heritage preservation. It ensures the economic and cultural sustainability of this site while bringing new life to downtown Montreal.”
Revitalizing a Legacy at the Heart of Montreal
“For more than 355 years, the Cree have maintained deep historical ties with the Hudson’s Bay Company. Originating in the 17th century, this trade forged alliances and exchanges that went far beyond fur trading. It became a space of cultural exchange, knowledge sharing, and bonds that left a lasting mark on the land and on relations between nations,” explained officials.
Government Collaboration
“The redevelopment, scheduled to open in 2029, requires zoning approval from the City of Montreal. The developers will work closely with all three levels of government to establish this initiative as a benchmark for nation-to-nation partnership.”
JHD Real Estate is a Canadian company specializing in mixed-use real estate development in urban environments. Known for its expertise in revitalizing heritage sites, JHD brings innovative and sustainable projects to life.
Founded in 1986, the James Bay Eeyou Corporation has spent nearly 40 years advancing economic opportunities for the Cree community.
In March 2025, Hudson’s Bay, the oldest and longest-surviving company in North America filed for Creditor Protection under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act. The company ceased operations in June 2025.
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