As Galeries de Lanaudière continues to evolve as a premier shopping destination east of Montreal, an exciting new addition has taken shape behind the scenes. First Capital is proud to welcome E67, a 20,000 sq. ft. furniture concept under the JC Perreault banner to the centre.
In this episode, we take you behind the construction process, from early demolition of three previous units to the façade reconstruction, and share with you how our team brought this large-scale retail transformation to life.
A Major Redevelopment: From Three Units to One Retail Destination
Our Construction team – represented in the video by Nicolas Deschenes, Director of Construction for Eastern Canada at First Capital – began the project by transforming three former rental retail spaces into one cohesive unit. This required:
1. Relocating GLOBO Shoes
2. Decommissioning spaces previously leased by Suzy Shier and Pantorama
3. Preparing a fully integrated footprint suited to a large-format furniture retailer
This strategic reconfiguration not only maximizes floor space but supports long-term growth for E67 and enhances the centre’s tenant mix.
Phase One: Creating a Modern and Energy-Efficient Interior
The first phase focused on major interior work, including:
– Removing demising walls
– Demolishing outdated floors and ceilings
– Replacing ventilation units
– Installing electric thermopumps
Beyond improving comfort and efficiency, these upgrades support First Capital’s net-zero objectives, providing sustainable technology that benefits both the tenant and the environment.
Phase Two: Rebuilding the Exterior Façade
With interior demolition complete and ready for tenant build out, the project team shifted focus to a brand-new façade aligned with E67’s design standards. This involved:
– Reconstructing portions of the structural frame
– Installing new curtain walls
– Completing architectural finishes tailored to the brand
During demolition, the team discovered some differences in the original construction plans. This required a temporary pause, revised structural drawings, enhanced specifications, and coordinated efforts with subcontractors and professionals. Thanks to effective collaboration, the team successfully made up for lost time.
Tenant Build-Out: The Interior Comes to Life
Once the base building work was completed, the tenant took possession of the space, allowing both teams to work in tandem. Inside the unit, significant progress followed:
– Drywall installation and paint
– Slab grinding
– Electrical and ventilation installation
With merchandising and finishing underway, the project entered its final stretch before the grand opening.
First Capital’s In-House Teams: Supporting Our Tenants Every Step of the Way
Beyond the construction phase, First Capital plays a leading role at every stage of the project.
From lease agreements to design approvals, every step is led by our in-house teams, working together to deliver a seamless experience for our tenant:
LEASING – Alignment Between Deal Terms and Build Scope
Our Leasing team kept the deal and the design in sync:
– Adjusted Landlord’s Work (LLW) scope alongside Construction as deal terms evolved.
– Collaborated with the tenant on exterior design requirements.
LEGAL – Precision Through Negotiations and Documentation
Our Legal team managed the full leasing process internally:
– Managed the full lease agreement from draft to execution, including revisions and negotiation support.
DEVELOPMENT – Approvals and City Interface
Our Development team navigated municipal processes to keep momentum:
– Led City/CCU submissions and permit applications.
– Secured approvals for façade changes and exterior modifications.
CONSTRUCTION – Execution, Coordination, and Quality
As shown in the project video, our Construction team handled end-to-end delivery on site:
– Directed all on‑site construction activities.
– Coordinated work with the tenant and ensured alignment between LLW, Tenant Work, schedules, and site conditions.
TENANT COORDINATION – The Connector Across Teams
Our Tenant Coordinators are the primary liaisons between Tenant, Leasing, Construction, and Operations:
– Managed onboarding, documentation, possession, and communication.
– Reviewed drawings, clarified scope, coordinated schedules, and monitored tenant construction progress.
OPERATIONS – Day‑to‑Day Readiness and Centre Integration
Our Operations team ensures the new store is fully integrated with the shopping centre and ready for opening:
– Managed utility transfers (Gas and Hydro).
– Ensured the fire alarm system was properly integrated.
– Issued welcome letters, coordinated rent setup, and supported the tenant throughout the project
Why it matters: Since these functions are fully in-house at First Capital, our teams make faster decisions, maintain brand and building standards, and provide consistent support from agreement to opening day and beyond.
In addition, having in-house expertise means we can respond quickly to unexpected challenges, streamline communications across departments, and ensure that confidential information is handled securely.
Our integrated approach also enables us to build strong, lasting relationships with our tenants, adapt solutions to their specific needs, and deliver a higher level of accountability and quality control throughout the entire process.
Now Open: Explore the New E67 at Galeries de Lanaudière!
With construction complete, the façade rebuilt, and the interior beautifully finished, E67 is now ready to welcome customers. This exciting new addition brings exceptional furniture offerings to the region and enhances the shopping experience at Galeries de Lanaudière.
Visit E67 at Galeries de Lanaudière today and discover the newest destination for stylish, quality home furnishing.
Congratulations to everyone involved in bringing this project to life!