5 Roses

EvilGentleman: 26th Apr 2007 - 07:03 GMT

I wonder when the word "flour" was removed from that sign. I remember it well, I often looked at it through a telescope on the Mercier Bridge during the summer of 1990. Even though it was miles away, it was still easily readable.

Philip Savage: 26th Apr 2007 - 12:10 GMT

I'm from London and have visited Montreal a few times, I love this sign it's always been a big symbol of the city for me. I believe there are plans to get rid of it. I hope it survives.

Cinic: 26th Apr 2007 - 13:20 GMT

Griffentown is under developement with the recent Windsor station, Loney and ETS projects. This was one of the few real artistic n-hoods of the city which will sooner than later be consumed by luxury lofts and exclusive bistros. We gave them the plateau which they have ruined, cant they leave us alone. I do hope 5roses will remain.

Frank S. Besner: 26th Apr 2007 - 16:51 GMT

Well the factory itself was sold to another flour producing company, at some point last year.
That said company, did indeed have plans to take down the sign and replace it (presumably) with their own crappier, more modern branding. Thankfully, a group of hardcore urban heritage advocacy group persuaded the new company to keep the sign. I guess it was more valuable for the company to not piss of their new community than to advertize above their own property.
So the sign is quite safe. This is a big victory for Montréal in SO many ways.

Frank S. Besner: 26th Apr 2007 - 17:00 GMT

Hmm... seems I spoke too fast. There seems to still be some debate as to wether the sign stays or goes. On the bright side, though there's a website entirely dedicated to the sign, where nightly watchers discuss the fluxuations in the blinking and call in any anomaly to the managers of the building, rent-a-cop style.
This just goes to prove how pissed off Montréalers are going to be if anything happens to the Five Roses.

Chris Erb: 26th Apr 2007 - 17:55 GMT

Great picture, only a couple blocks from my house so I see the sign all the time.

Here's the link to the website for the sign: www.savefarinefiveroses.org/