Nester Finn Square Victoria

408 Rue Saint-Jacques sits on one of Montréal's most storied streets, in what was once the city's financial and commercial heart. In the mid-19th century, this site was home to the Ottawa Hotel, a prominent establishment opened in 1845 that quickly became one of the city's most celebrated inns. With its limestone façade, richly decorated interiors, and hot and cold water baths on every floor, the Ottawa welcomed dignitaries, performers, and notable visitors from North America and Europe, including author Harriet Beecher Stowe during her visit in 1869.

Designed during a period of rapid growth, the hotel reflected the importance of Rue Saint-Jacques—then known as Canada's Wall Street—as a centre of business and exchange. Over time, as Montréal evolved, the building adapted along with the neighbourhood, which became known for its grand stone façades, solid masonry construction, and classical architectural language meant to convey permanence and prestige. Today, the street remains one of Old Montréal's most striking corridors, defined by historic buildings, cobblestone roadways, and proximity to Place d'Armes and the Old Port.