In 1767 Pierre Gauvin planned gardens on this present
site. The gardens were given to the nuns that lived
around the corner at l’hotel Dieu. In 1774, with
the American Revolution underway, Pierre Gauvin took
possession of the gardens and built a two-story building
for the order of Augustine nuns. Four years later Pierre
Gauvin moved in with his family and moved the nuns
out. In 1851 Rene Edouard Caron a lawyer of the Legislative
Council, added stone walls to the front and rents the
building to Leger et Rinfret. Their store became popular
with the people of Quebec for kitchen appliances. The
building had many levels as the St George Hotel, a
prestigious theatre, and a grand ballroom.
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As happened to many grand buildings in Quebec, in
1895 part of the building was destroyed by fire. The
building was rebuilt to continue its illustrious saga.
As it
was so centrally located, at the bequest and with the
assistance of the City of Quebec a place of entertainment
was built, with a gymnasium, bowling alleys, pool hall
and a grand gym complete with modern washrooms. The
St
George Hall had arched doors and extensive patios on
its second floor. A few years later the owners went
bankrupt and the building was transformed into an apartment
building with Taverne du Vieux Quebec on the first
floor. Rebuilding the hotel,
The City of Quebec insisted that
the architects use the original drawings and plans
as the design of first building was unique and not
in keeping with other structures on St Jean Street.
The Keatings were one of the early families that propagated
and prospered in Quebec City. Joseph Keating, of the
original line of Keatings in Quebec was married March
4th, 1938, coincidentally the date of birth of the
present owner Chris Keating. Story has it that on his
wedding day, Joseph misbehaved in Taverne du Vieux
Quebec, now this hotel. The Keating family has maintained
and embellished the present building, maintaining its
authenticity
and honoring the hotel's place within the walls of
this
magnificent city.
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