The lobby of 4300 de Maisonneuve Boul. West was crowded with residents, guests and well-wishers last Thursday evening as the Westmount community celebrated the apartment building's 50th anniversary. The now 300-unit luxury building was constructed on what was then Western Avenue in 1958.

With soft piano music providing an elegant background, residents reminisced over cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. The evening included a brief speech by Mayor Karin Marks, and special recognition was given to the building's longest residents. Even Marc Garneau, Liberal candidate in the upcoming federal election, dropped by to wish residents well on their special day.

"This is a true community event," said one woman who did not want her name to appear in the paper. "We are like family in this building!"

Another resident pointed out that the building's reputation as a seniors' residence is quickly fading. "While it's true that we have a few residents over the age of 100, we also have some under the age of one."