The (Le) 1000 de La Gauchetière is a skyscraper in the Canadian city of Montreal and the tallest of the city; it is simply named for its address at 1000 de La Gauchetière Street West in the city's downtown. It rises to the maximum height approved by the city (the elevation of Mount Royal) at 205 m (673 ft) and 51 floors.

To be precise, the tower is Montreal's tallest if measured to the roof; the 1250 René-Lévesque (IBM-Marathon Building) and the Tour CIBC possess spires that exceed 1000 de La Gauchetière in height, but the buildings themselves are shorter. Also, when viewed as part of the skyline, 1000 de La Gauchetière appears from certain angles to be shorter; this is because it is built on lower ground, allowing it to be taller while still obeying elevation limits.

The building was designed by Lemay & Associates and Dimakopoulos & Associates architects, and built in 1992 at the same time as the nearby 1250 René-Lévesque which rises at 47 floors. It is an example of Postmodern Architecture, with a distinctive triangular copper roof as well as four copper-capped rotunda entrances at the tower base corners. Those were inspired from the Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral on the north side of the building, following the trend set by Place de la Cathédrale (Tour KPMG) of Montreal skyscrapers borrowing some of their design from that of the nearest church. Also, the semi-spherical corner caps mirror the shape of the half-circular windows of neighbouring Marriott Château Champlain hotel, which were themselves inspired by the arches of the adjoining Windsor Station.

Inside, the structural core is of concrete, with steel making up the rest of the floorplates. It is serviced by 22 elevators, and its recessed corners allow up to 12 corner offices per floor. In addition to its office space and shopping areas, it includes a full-size indoor skating rink, a physical fitness center, a major bus terminal (the Downtown Terminus) serving RTL city and commuter buses to Longueuil, Brossard and other South Shore communities, and links to other underground city buildings, Central Station and the Bonaventure metro station.

[Source: Wikipedia]

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