Catherine Boucher
8 août 2023
A year after opening the Saint-Crème Bar Laitier in a former church in Alma, Vincent Lavoie stands out once again with an original concept.
The young entrepreneur is preparing to open a hotel in the former place of worship. The reconversion of the historic building is surprising.
The Relay Altar will open its doors on the second floor of the church on September 1st.
"It's really a hotel concept that's very different from what we usually see," emphasized Vincent Lavoie.
This unique concept includes ten rooms, including four family suites. The hotel will be able to accommodate up to 28 people. The original furniture of the old church has been preserved and modernized. The objective is to preserve the heritage and historical aspect of the place.
“We also kept the old moldings in the rooms,” he said. “We have old suitcases to present a travel aspect. We have beautiful gold mirrors, all different. It’s really antique stuff that recalls the history of the neighborhood.”
"The rooms will be named after the themes of the stained glass windows," added Vincent Lavoie [...]. We have a suite called the Pelican of Christ's Love."
A little later than expected
The Relay Altar was due to welcome its first customers in June, but the project was delayed by two months.
"It's a construction project that was complex," mentioned Vincent Lavoie. The work started later than expected. We're in the 20th week of the work, so we did a great job to hurry up as quickly as possible to open on September 1st."
Nearly a hundred people have already booked on the Autel-Relais website.
"There's a real buzz because people want to try it out," continued the young entrepreneur. "There are even people who live nearby in the neighborhood who have booked."
New arrivals coming soon
In the fall, the offer will be enhanced with a food court where customers will be able to enjoy a unique dish that remains secret for now. To be able to offer services at any time of the year, the dairy bar will transform into a café in the fall and winter.
"It's work seven days a week, that's what makes this project a success in a short period of time. It's a great success, it's motivating and it gives me the energy to continue," said Vincent Lavoie, who was involved in all aspects of the project.
He hopes to franchise his concept and give a second life to other churches in Quebec.
According to a report by Catherine Boucher, TVA Nouvelles