Heritage activists are decrying the demolition of a historical building to make way for the third condo tower with the Montreal Canadiens brand.

The building at 1162 St-Antoine St. West, built in 1914, has a rich and dark history. It was used, among other things, to intern Ukrainians who were considered "enemy aliens" during the First World War.

Here's a short history of the structure, according to a historical study made for the Office de consultation publique de Montréal.

April 20 to Aug. 12, 1914

Inaugurated as Immigration Hospital and Detention Building, it welcomed, processed and medically treated new immigrants. It was also a temporary housing for deported immigrants.

Aug. 13, 1914 to Nov. 30, 1918

The building was used for the temporary internment of undesirable foreigners, mainly citizen of enemy nations during World War I. Most of them were Ukrainians. They were interned here while waiting to be transported to permanent camps.

Dec. 1, 1918 to Jan. 18, 1961

The building returns to its original function: temporary housing for new immigrants and those being sent back to their home countries.

Aerial view of the building at 1162 St-Antoine St. W., taken in 1964. (Bibliothèques et archives nationales du Québec)

January 19, 1961 to March 7, 1963

Unknown occupants.

March 8, 1963 to 1989

Office building.

1990 to today

No known occupants.