How about turning Montreal's old Metro cars into a caf?

In thinking of ways to recycle Montreal's soon-to-be-replaced Metro cars, it seems there is no shortage of creative ideas.

First, a group from the Mile End proposed using the old cars to build a pedestrian bridge. Now two brothers are going public withtheir plan to turn the cars into a community space and all-round architectural marvel.

• Old Montreal Metro cars could be used to build pedestrian bridge to Mile End

Frdric and tienne Morin-Bordeleau, self-described social entrepreneurs,wantto see eight metro cars turned into a three-floor exhibition hall, caf and outdoor terrasse. Theypromise a dcor that will make visitors believe they're riding the Metro through the air.

Helping outlocal entrepreneurs

The caf would be on the first floor, the second floor would be the exhibition space and the third would be the terrasse. The project is designed topromote local entrepreneursand artisans.

The brothers are planning to juggle a roster of small product suppliers to keep thecafmenu fresh, all whileprioritizinglocal, organic and fair trade foods.

There's also an environmental component the project will feature a green roof and solar panels. And the design will even feature removable poles, similar to the ones currentlyin the Metro cars.

"We especially want to focus on those who are starting out andwho have little visibility," saidFrdric Morin-Bordeleau, who is also aco-founder of SOCENT, a network of social entrepreneurs.

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Frdricandtienne envisionexhibitions lasting between a month and a half and two months, and they would partner with different festivals and art institutions in the city to find exhibitors.

They're also planning on creating a permanent exhibition on the STM and the history of the metro.The space would be available to rent for private events or public launches.

The brothers estimate the project will cost about $3.5 million.

Sud-Ouest support but no word fromSTM

The brothers' plan would need approval from Montreal's transit agency, the STM, before going ahead.In March, the agency launched a call for ideas about howit should reuseits oldcars.

They have about 30 proposals so far. They will announce a list of finalists on Oct. 14.

But that hasn't stoppedSouthwest borough MayorBenoitDorais from expressing support for theMorin-Bordeleau idea.

"The borough is looking into the possibility of finding municipal land [for the project],"Doraissaid.

"There aren't many but there are some sites that are being studied. They will be proposed to the council members at the end of the summer and after we'll take it to the people."

The new Metro cars, also known as AZUR,are slowly being introduced into service. Thefull fleet is scheduled to be delivered by 2018.

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