National Hockey League player Francis Bouillon gives back to the community -
He purchases an abandoned building to ensures the survival of an important
youth sports organization in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve
MONTREAL, July 22 /CNW Telbec/ - Francis Bouillon, ex-Montreal Canadian, and Nashville Predator since 2009, recently purchased a building owned by the nonprofit Jeunes Sportifs Hochelaga (JSH) organization, to save it from bankruptcy. The building was of little or no interest to Montreal developers.
"I certainly wouldn't be playing professional hockey today without the support of JSH," says Francis Bouillon. Raised in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, Bouillon benefitted from the area's youth sports development program. JSH helped him with hockey training, as well as with equipment purchases. He feels indebted to the organization, and wants other young people to profit from such services in the future.
The building, located at 2190 Préfontaine, and known to JHS as "le Local", has served as a Bingo hall for many years. Bingo night profits purchased hockey equipment and ice time for local youth. "Some years, more than 900 players profited from the organization's services, and we are very proud of Francis' success. What's more, we know hundreds of young people have really benefitted from the JSH programs, and have since become committed and responsible adults," says JSH president Pierre Lavoie.
"Le Local" has been up for sale for several years, but it's in pretty bad shape. The contaminated grounds and deteriorating building were of no interest to developers. By revitalizing the building, Mr. Bouillon will kill two birds with one stone, transforming it into 75 well constructed, reasonably priced condominiums, while donating a portion of condo sales to JSH.
In order to move ahead as soon as possible with project development and construction, Mr. Bouillon has surrounded himself with a team of seasoned professionals. Hockey is still his first priority and profession. His associates, David Oliver, a personal friend with years of experience in the construction business, and Maxime Vandal, architect and master builder, will oversee the development of the building revitalization project that will be known as Usine 51. In 2011, the JSH building will experience a rebirth, thanks to our little local boy, No.51 for Nashville, who changed its destiny.
About the Jeunes Sportifs Hochelaga (JSH) Building
2190 Préfontaine made its mark on the history of the Hochelaga-Maisonneuve district. Known as "le Local", the building served as the head office of Les Jeunes Sportifs Hochelaga (JSH), a nonprofit organization that has supported young hockey players since 1963.
To finance the cost of training youth and buying hockey equipment, JSH purchased "le Local" in 1977. Bingo evenings were organized on the first floor, with profits going to JSH. Offices and equipment storage occupied the second floor.
In the 1990s, JSH faced serious financial problems, and the organization was at risk of shutting down the building, as well as JSH support of local hockey players.
Today, the JSH is more active than ever, offering sports programs, as well as a variety of other community support initiatives, including providing Xmas baskets to needy families. By purchasing the building, Francis Bouillon supports JSH's mission and will also continue raising money for the organization by hosting a yearly Golf Omnium to support the youth of Hochelaga-Maisonneuve.
For more information, visit www.jsh.qc.ca.
The Revitalization of Usine 51
By converting a large, solidly constructed existing building into dynamic living spaces, designed by a team of experienced professionals, Usine 51 offers an excellent quality-price value in the Montreal condo market.
The building will house 75, one to three-bedroom urban loft-style condominiums targeted at homeowners who want to invest in a product that offers added value, in a convenient and booming revitalized area.
This superior quality building will offer: oversized suites, high ceilings, generous windows, detailed finishing, as well as contemporary design.
This unique local project involves the recovery and transformation of an existing two-storey concrete building. Two floors will be added; the second will offer 12 units featuring patios, as well as 9 additional 2-storey suites. The basement will undergo an overhaul to provide 37 parking spaces, bike parking, and storage lockers for every owner.
For further information: Danie Deschênes, Telephone: 514-577-9102, Email: [email protected]; Usine 51 website: www.usine51.com; Source: Les Habitations 51, Contact/Spokesperson: Francis Bouillon
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