Yes Niomi, it was an old filling station. I certainly agree that the residential building is an improvement, especially so close to Jarry métro, but agree that I'd have preferred balconies on Gounod, not St-Denis.

One thing you will observe though, as in other recent apartment buildings (most are condos) in the area, is that the entire lot is used; there is no setback as is the case for neighbouring buildings. Such setbacks were mandated in buildings in "new" areas early in the last century, such as Villeray and Rosemont, for reasons of greenery and hygiene. (Drat, I have a book on this; I'm sure one of our urbanism buffs will spot the reference I am trying to recall).