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the capital urbanite
Oct 29, 2007, 2:44 AM
the glass has arrived!

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/3626/img0953ot1.jpg

p_xavier
Oct 29, 2007, 3:06 AM
We should have a vote on who finds it ugly or not. I don't think the glass will make much of a difference, I thought it was tinted blue, as in the original plans. It looks like my middle school.

Jamaican-Phoenix
Oct 29, 2007, 3:58 AM
It's Claridge, of course it's ugly. :haha:

Either way though, glad to see work resume at that site. :)

harls
Oct 29, 2007, 11:11 AM
what the hell.. I thought that was SNOW!

Mille Sabords
Oct 29, 2007, 12:15 PM
Phase II of LeBreton has just been launched this weekend. 166 units in a building that will enclose a courtyard formed by it and the first one, backing onto the tailrace. Let the sales begin!

harls
Oct 29, 2007, 1:23 PM
Construction photo set here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/blix613/sets/72157600001258665/

Cre47
Oct 31, 2007, 8:03 PM
CBC article mentionning that if the city doesn't get its act together have a transit plan, the development will be significantly slowed down. http://www.cbc.ca/canada/ottawa/story/2007/10/30/ot-transit-071030.html

Jamaican-Phoenix
Oct 31, 2007, 9:31 PM
:previous: They mentioned that a while ago.

Stalling LRT has set back, slowed down, and in some cases, even put projects on hold indefinately. All due to lack of an LRT Transit plan.

The list from what I've seen so far, is LeBreton Flats, Bayview Yards, Riverside South, Ottawa U and Carleton.

That is the list of projects put on hold indefinately/set back/cancelled to the best of my knowledge.

Ciemny
Nov 1, 2007, 5:56 PM
I still don't understand why councillors are waiting for city staff to give their opinion about the Urbandale proposal. Its not like this revised N-S LRT plan will even get built...they should just have pumped the money into the Transitway improvements that they canned when Urbandale came with its plan.

Seems some are hoping for a miracle that somehow the proposal will be implemented when its pretty obvious it won't happen and LeBreton area transitway will look like a dump for many years to come.

AuxTown
Nov 2, 2007, 3:04 PM
I still don't understand why councillors are waiting for city staff to give their opinion about the Urbandale proposal. Its not like this revised N-S LRT plan will even get built...they should just have pumped the money into the Transitway improvements that they canned when Urbandale came with its plan.

Seems some are hoping for a miracle that somehow the proposal will be implemented when its pretty obvious it won't happen and LeBreton area transitway will look like a dump for many years to come.

Why don't they at least straighten out the Lebreton Transitway so that it lines up properly with Slater and Albert. Now that those surface parking lots are closed there is no reason not to, unless they are waiting for the tunnel to go in?

Jamaican-Phoenix
Nov 2, 2007, 3:37 PM
How about a street reallignment instead? It would be less awkward that way...

Aylmer
Nov 8, 2007, 1:47 AM
The Idiotic thing about the lebreton project is that they see it as an empty lot so instead of building the condos at higher density, they decide to simply plop up some 10 to 15 storied condos!!!:slob: :yuck: :slob:
And plus, it's taking forever!!!:hell: :hell: :hell:

At least the market is densifing:D !! Kudos.

Jamaican-Phoenix
Nov 8, 2007, 1:54 AM
I've seen plans for Bayview, the City Centre site and LeBreton Flats. They are all so similar, and cookie-cutter condos. We have so much land that could be developed over time and with a really smart plan, but we're squandering it.

I'd love to see something like the enw Markham downtown proposal, or the "Lifestyle Centre" type of development go in that area.

*sigh*, such wasted potential...

harls
Nov 8, 2007, 5:22 PM
On Monday, Nov. 12, Booth is going to be closed between the Parkway and Albert St. Wonder what's happening?

I was thinking maybe something to do with Remembrance day and the war museum, but I dunno...

azz
Nov 8, 2007, 7:45 PM
The Idiotic thing about the lebreton project is that they see it as an empty lot so instead of building the condos at higher density, they decide to simply plop up some 10 to 15 storied condos!!!:slob: :yuck: :slob:

I just pictured that whole area dotted with a handful of these mini-high rise condos and the first thing that came to mind was a kinda scaled down (Ottawa sized) version of St. James Town in Toronto. :sly:

I cant wait...that City Centre building could be the commerical crown jewel in the crown!!

Maybe Im just being negative....meh! But the way this city is planned and run, I wouldnt be surprised if we see rezoning for social housing in Rockcliffe Park!

Anyway....this is what it looks like in TO....
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._James_Town

the capital urbanite
Nov 10, 2007, 3:20 AM
CBC article mentionning that if the city doesn't get its act together have a transit plan, the development will be significantly slowed down. http://www.cbc.ca/canada/ottawa/story/2007/10/30/ot-transit-071030.html

somewhat inaccurate....Claridge isn't planning on building those sections for at least 8 years..I'm sure the transit fiasco will be sorted out by then.

the capital urbanite
Nov 10, 2007, 3:25 AM
We should have a vote on who finds it ugly or not. I don't think the glass will make much of a difference, I thought it was tinted blue, as in the original plans. It looks like my middle school.

The glass is not tinted, however there are blue-coloured translucent accents that is oh so popular these days (eg. Claridge plaza, CHEO West Wing)

harls
Dec 10, 2007, 2:03 PM
I noticed this morning that most of the windows are now in on the lower podium section.

the capital urbanite
Dec 10, 2007, 8:15 PM
....progress is sooo slow

gatt
Dec 11, 2007, 2:06 AM
i've never seen a construction project so slow to be complete.

harls
Dec 11, 2007, 2:19 PM
They seem to be moving now. I noticed some people working on the upper part of the building this morning (orange tarps going up).

Jamaican-Phoenix
Dec 11, 2007, 3:23 PM
I haven't been there in a while, can someone take a few photos of where the project is right now?

harls
Dec 11, 2007, 3:29 PM
I might go by there on my lunch break today.

Jamaican-Phoenix
Dec 11, 2007, 4:20 PM
That'd be awesome. Thanks, harls.


Man, I should ask for a decent camera for Christmas so that I can take photos myself since I live within walking distance of 90% of current projects... :haha:

harls
Dec 11, 2007, 8:40 PM
This is as close as I got... didn't feel like walking down the hill

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2144/2103453395_810106748e_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2390/2103455109_acc7c41cf0_b.jpg

Damn vignetting..

AuxTown
Dec 11, 2007, 9:28 PM
I like the colour of glass they chose for this building. I've been working down the street and, in person, it's starting to grow on me. I think someday (50 years) it will fit in with the surrounding neighbourhood but, right now, it stands out like a sore thumb.

Jamaican-Phoenix
Dec 11, 2007, 11:59 PM
The glass looks like prison bars... :haha:

Rathgrith
Dec 15, 2007, 11:26 PM
This is as close as I got... didn't feel like walking down the hill

Awwww Muffin!

When do they plan to start Phase II?

Jamaican-Phoenix
Dec 16, 2007, 1:01 AM
When do they plan to start Phase II?

Probably in a couple years or so... ;)

harls
Feb 11, 2008, 2:22 PM
They are putting glass on the third level of the tower portion now.

Yesterday I was in Hintonburg - you can see the tower right in the center of the street from there (Wellington / Carruthers area). Too bad I didn't have my camera with me.

harls
Feb 13, 2008, 7:51 PM
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2093/2263505848_8396173e9c_b.jpg

Deez
Feb 13, 2008, 10:51 PM
Good to finally see some progress...it seemed as though they were stalled for quite some time.

Aylmer
Feb 20, 2008, 12:29 AM
No;
They only employed one person for the job.

the capital urbanite
Mar 14, 2008, 11:05 PM
..the black trim on the podium glass is looking good

http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/4909/lebretonzt3.jpg

harls
Apr 9, 2008, 6:02 PM
Just because.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2165/2400715915_506526a63c_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3034/2401545926_9ba41c2cae_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2399/2401546384_28268ba6eb_b.jpg

Aylmer
Apr 10, 2008, 12:17 AM
Not half bad...

:)

j-beat
Apr 24, 2008, 3:42 PM
This building is starting to grow on mehttp://farm3.static.flickr.com/2114/2439051764_b5b5ca7075_b.jpg

harls
Apr 24, 2008, 4:35 PM
It's going to look impressive this summer at Bluesfest :D

AuxTown
Apr 24, 2008, 5:31 PM
Judging by the renderings of phase 2, that yellow brick colour better start to grow on everybody.

http://img368.imageshack.us/img368/893/lebreton2hy5.jpg

As for me, I never thought it was terrible, needs a neighbourhood around it though.

the capital urbanite
Apr 25, 2008, 3:34 AM
Judging by the renderings of phase 2, that yellow brick colour better start to grow on everybody.

http://img368.imageshack.us/img368/893/lebreton2hy5.jpg

As for me, I never thought it was terrible, needs a neighbourhood around it though.

...I think the most impressive part is the new lanscaping around Pooley's bridge and the stone terrace down to the Tailrace. It will definitely add some life to the area. Is there any retail/cafe planned in Phase I?

AuxTown
Apr 25, 2008, 12:39 PM
This whole area of town (CBD West end) needs a grocery store. Part of the fun of living DT is being able to walk to get your groceries and it's a good hike for the thousands that live in this area around Slater, Bronson, and now Lebreton. I still think they should build a tower on part of the old technical high school site and have a large grocery store in the podium. As far as retail goes, it's the only type of retail that everyone (I think) needs and uses on a regular basis. Look at some of the best central neighbourhoods in TO and the streets are always bustling with people walking home with their groceries in hand, makes life a lot simpler (no need for car, cab, bus...). Here's a nice example of a ground-level supermarket in a condo in Manhattan:

http://www.brooklynpaper.com/assets/photos/30/16/30_16manhattanavalon_z.jpg

OK, I'm done ranting.

harls
Apr 25, 2008, 2:40 PM
There is a grocery store similar to this in Montreal (Mt-Royal and St-Urbain, I think).. it fits in nicely with the neighbourhood. I think this could work well in the west end CBD.

While we're at it.. throw one in downtown Hull too, along with a few condos, please.

Deez
Apr 25, 2008, 5:15 PM
http://www.brooklynpaper.com/assets/photos/30/16/30_16manhattanavalon_z.jpg


Ha. I stayed right by this place when I was in NYC over the Christmas holidays. It's a great supermarket and a nice building.

Mille Sabords
Apr 25, 2008, 6:25 PM
There is a grocery store similar to this in Montreal (Mt-Royal and St-Urbain, I think).. it fits in nicely with the neighbourhood. I think this could work well in the west end CBD.

While we're at it.. throw one in downtown Hull too, along with a few condos, please.

I know the one you mean, a mega-Provigo with underground parking, à la Rideau Street Loblaws except nicer-looking. Still doesn't have condos above it, though. Both that one and the Rideau Street one are wasting their air space. The Rideau Street Loblaws should be at the base of a 15-storey condo (at least).

ElChancho
May 17, 2008, 2:30 AM
friday may 16 2008

http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/2571/mg4107zo7.jpg

http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/161/mg4108qj9.jpg

http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/6071/mg4109if6.jpg

mehh looks alright i guess, could've used some extra height though, maybe if the glass section was 3 times that of what it is...:rolleyes:

come to think if it is definitely to short looks more like a stub than a tower...:slob:

Cre47
May 17, 2008, 2:46 AM
This is the perfect occasion to add up some densification, hopefully missing the boat on Phase 1 will not be too harmful. They really to go over 20 floors in that area as seen it is the highest floor count I've found for proposed buildings.

However, the building looks pretty good, at least even the low height it is not the crappy box. Anyone knows, when they are starting the next building?

citizen j
May 17, 2008, 2:49 AM
It actually looks better than it did in the architectural renderings posted by Claridge. And you're right, it's a little too truncated to be called a "tower" perhaps, but the area will fill in quite nicely as high-density mid-rise with a decent street wall.

movebyleap
May 17, 2008, 4:35 AM
Looks like public housing. The brick colour is tragic. Come to think of it, it harks of that City Centre building! DOWN WITH CLARIDGE - the company that can do nothing right!! It's like their corporate mission is "We will make it as ugly as humanly possible"!

cityguy
May 17, 2008, 12:32 PM
I gotta admit,it's a big disapointment.Lebreton flats has a lot of potential but it's going all wrong.

m0nkyman
May 17, 2008, 2:09 PM
The NCC is involved. I gave up hope when I realized they hadn't turned it over to anyone who has a clue how cities actually function.

Radster
May 20, 2008, 3:34 PM
Looks like public housing. The brick colour is tragic.

I agree 100%, these have been my exact thoughts since they first laid the bricks. Maybe this was the cheapest colour and their choice was a cost-cutting measure? :haha:

c_speed3108
May 20, 2008, 3:50 PM
This thing is awful. Glad I am poor smuck that bought in the first floor of the top part. All they will see is roof!

They should have made the bottom of the building narrower and the top taller to make up for the difference. You end up with more space that way, better views, and more green space around the bottom of the building.

As for the colour and style....:whatthefuck:

A box on top of a box....I hope the architect wasn't too well paid for that design!

AuxTown
May 20, 2008, 3:51 PM
As I mentioned in an earlier post, just wait for the second tower, we get even more of that brick with even less glass! I'm not completely disgusted by that colour, but there's definately room for improvement in the next phases of Lebreton. Awe well, better than the toxic wasteland it was 5 years ago.

http://img368.imageshack.us/img368/893/lebreton2hy5.jpg

the capital urbanite
May 20, 2008, 8:14 PM
guess I'm in the minority because I think it's one of the better looking buildings downtown...it'll look even better once phase II is complete (looks very unbalanced right now)

eemy
May 20, 2008, 9:48 PM
I don't mind it, and it is improved with the glass, which I actually think looks pretty sharp on the tower/stub. I am a little bit bothered by that shade of brick though. Depending on how the development proceeds, it could look quite good (keeping in mind the current context of the building is nothing like what the context will be in 20 years); however, I'm mildly concerned.

citizen j
May 20, 2008, 11:44 PM
Uninspiring? Perhaps. Tragic? One of the signs of the apocalypse? Nah. You must be thinking of Claridge's proposal for the Portrait Gallery towers. Now THAT'S a tragedy.

harls
May 27, 2008, 6:44 PM
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3188/2528024587_a162f2d738_b.jpg

eemy
May 27, 2008, 7:13 PM
It looks better everytime I see it. It would be nice if it weren't so isolated, but I guess they have to start somewhere.

Acajack
May 27, 2008, 7:27 PM
I know it won't look like it when it's finished, but every time I drive by LeBreton I always think of this:

http://cudaswiata.pl/photos/palac_kultury_i_nauki01.jpg

Radster
May 28, 2008, 12:54 PM
Good ol' Warsaw and its Palac Kultury. That pic is dated though, as over the past few years, there have been a few tall skyscrapers erected around it, and the downtown area of Warsaw is still a huge construction zone with some of the highest skyscrapers in Europe being built at the moment. Warsaw's skyline will be one of the nicest in Europe in a few years. Can't say that for Ottawa, :haha: . Though there are similarities between Ottawa and Warsaw, in that just like we have the Peace Tower limiting the height of our downtown core, that Palac Kultury also limited the height of Warsaw's downtown core, but as far as I know, that rule was dropped recently, giving way to the construction boom.

Acajack
May 28, 2008, 1:24 PM
I always thought the Palac Kultury looked better in photos than in person…

Kitchissippi
May 28, 2008, 2:28 PM
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3188/2528024587_a162f2d738_b.jpg

The colours remind me more of Newfoundland's parliamentary buildings:

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i231/kitchissippi/IMG_1075.jpgphoto by me

AuxTown
May 28, 2008, 11:49 PM
I don't mind it at all. The colours are really neutral with the natural surroundings and I think once phase II or III comes along, Lebreton is gonna be the place to be as far as Ottawa condos go. I'm judging this on a scale of how much I am dreading the next tower going up and I don't at all. Whereas I am absolutely dreading Claridge Plaza II. I really like the ass end of that building that faces Nicholas and U of O (nice setbakcks, colour scheme blends well), but that awful circular thing facing Rideau with the 1970's toilet colour accents :yuck: .

Jamaican-Phoenix
May 29, 2008, 12:01 AM
It's funny, when they were nothing more than concept drawings, I utterly abhored 90 George and loved Claridge Plaza. Now I find that I've done a 180 with regards to those condos... :haha:

harls
Jul 21, 2008, 5:37 PM
Thought I may as well throw this in here.

It still doesn't look like they're finished up inside..

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3188/2689089117_4b2ce6eae5_b.jpg

kwoldtimer
Jul 22, 2008, 3:04 AM
Thought I may as well throw this in here.

It still doesn't look like they're finished up inside..

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3188/2689089117_4b2ce6eae5_b.jpg

I look forward to seeing this one for myself when I get up to Ottawa. Everytime I see a photo, it looks more institutional than residential to me, but maybe it shows better "in person". I am really unsure about an entire neighbourhood of this, but we live in hope.

jitterbug
Jul 24, 2008, 2:01 PM
I look forward to seeing this one for myself when I get up to Ottawa. Everytime I see a photo, it looks more institutional than residential to me, but maybe it shows better "in person". I am really unsure about an entire neighbourhood of this, but we live in hope.

It looks just as institutional in person, perhaps even more so. Few of the people on the street I've spoken to about this development have anything good to say about it; most think it's butt ugly. But then, this is Claridge we're talking about, the creators of some fairly awful buildings, the worst of which is 700 Sussex. They must have some good friends in high places at City Hall.

c_speed3108
Jul 24, 2008, 2:06 PM
Whats funny about Claridge is that there inside designs and floorplans seem quiet good. Perhaps this is why they sell.


They seem to have a problem with the outside....

Mille Sabords
Jul 24, 2008, 3:06 PM
The biggest design challenge for LeBreton is that it will be just a small cluster of isolated buildings for a long time. With no city to melt into, they stick out even more. So they get noticed even more, for better or for worse.

From the renderings, Phase II's one misstep in my opinion is (again!) all that grass between the sidewalk and the building. It turns the building inward forever. There may not be much of a sidewalk scene there now, or for the foreseeable future, but it's meant to happen in the long term and with the design they have now, that stretch of street will be sterilized.

Calgary has some sharp examples of Vancouver-style townhouse units at ground level that have a very good relation to the street. We remain mired in design immaturity.

TransitZilla
Jul 24, 2008, 4:07 PM
From the renderings, Phase II's one misstep in my opinion is (again!) all that grass between the sidewalk and the building. It turns the building inward forever. There may not be much of a sidewalk scene there now, or for the foreseeable future, but it's meant to happen in the long term and with the design they have now, that stretch of street will be sterilized.


If you look at the site plan it doesn't look that far from the street (http://www.canadascapital.gc.ca/data/2/rec_docs/386_DL_rgb_04.pdf)

I think the rendering is from the south side "Pooley's Bridge Mews" which isn't a street, it's a pedestrian walkway.

c_speed3108
Aug 5, 2008, 1:52 AM
NCC, Claridge wrangled over LeBreton
Commission rejected builder's revised plans for flagship tower, year spent on compromise
Mohammed Adam, The Ottawa Citizen
Published: Monday, August 04, 2008

The National Capital Commission rejected key parts of Claridge Homes' design for the first building in its LeBreton Flats development because changes to the original plan contravened federal guidelines for the project, documents obtained from the NCC show.

The NCC not only rejected a design for the flagship glass tower now being built on the Flats, but also refused to approve a plan for a six-storey building that was to be the core of the second stage of the development.

Construction on a compromise design is now well under way, but for more than a year, the commission worked with Claridge to come up with an acceptable design for the first tower. The NCC was particularly concerned that modifications Claridge made to its plans -- from the original curtain-wall design to a window-wall system -- would alter the building's presentation and appearance.

The commission also didn't like the initial blue colour chosen for the tower.

The curtain wall the NCC wanted was essentially a sheet of glass enveloping the entire building without any visible breaks, meant to give the tower a sleek appearance.

The goal was to make the tower blend with the sky, leaving the six-storey concrete base or podium to catch the eye.

A window wall has interruptions in the glass at each floor, making for a less sleek design.

"In consideration that this landmark tower is not only the first, but essentially the public face of the LeBreton Flats residential development, the Commission considers essential that an accurate representation of the window wall system, detail and colour be made available for review and if satisfactory, approval by the NCC prior to construction," said a July 4, 2007 memo to Claridge president Bill Malhotra.

Rhys Phillips, an architecture critic, said the fundamental mistake was made four years ago and now the NCC and Claridge seem to be "arguing about rearranging the chairs on the deck of the Titanic.

"You basically have a design that is somewhat better than what you see on Rideau Street. It is pretty bland, lacks animation and tends to be rather institutional," Mr. Phillips said. "It doesn't matter whether it is curtain or window wall, blue or green. It is a moot point. It is just going to be second-rate."

The NCC design committee also would not approve the second stage of the project because officials didn't like a modified design for the doors of the ground-floor units, which it found to be "contrary to the planning principles and objectives" of the LeBreton Flats design guidelines.

"Claridge Homes must, therefore, address these aspects of the design to the satisfaction of the NCC, and present the revised proposal to the NCC and its ACPDR (design committee) prior to construction," the July 4 memo said.

Because of the work Claridge had to do to satisfy the NCC, the project was delayed, prompting NCC board members to ask senior staff whether "Claridge had abandoned" LeBreton Flats, "as no work was evident."

And even though the commission's director of real-estate management, Peter McCourt, assured board members that work was going on, he said in an e-mail to Claridge that "the feeling seems to remain that work has slowed down."

After initially promising to comment to the Citizen on the memos, senior NCC officials changed their minds three days later and refused to offer any response.

In an interview, Claridge's Mr. Malhotra denied the company made any "meaningful" changes to the original design and criticized the Citizen for dwelling on irrelevant issues.

"There was no changes, depends on what you call changes. If the architect involved in the design says the design needs to be improved, he made the changes. But to my knowledge, there was no changes, like changes," he said. "I don't understand why you guys are wasting your time on things which are absolutely not relevant. You guys are just wasting your time, you don't have anything better to do?"

Claridge won the right to build the first batch of new LeBreton Flats homes essentially by default because two other companies that scored higher on an NCC evaluation -- Ottawa's Minto and Montreal's Alliance Prével -- withdrew their bids in a dispute with the commission. Several people criticized the NCC for a flawed selection system that cut out smaller and more creative builders and ended with the city's most heralded development project in the hands of a company that, according to the commission's own assessment, was not the best. The mood of the critics didn't brighten any when the winning bid was unveiled to reveal a plan that many people said was just ordinary.

The NCC stood its ground and senior officials expressed confidence that Claridge would do a good job as the plan unfolded. Besides, the detailed design of each building would be approved individually to ensure the best outcome, officials said.

The documents show that two years after the NCC approved the first phase of the landmark development, it was still in constant discussion with Claridge about changes to the design. One memo said changes to the tower were "significant enough in colour, finish and appearance to cause some concern among members."

Another memo talked about tower modifications "that would result in a substantial change to the façade and the previously approved developed design."

The first sign of problems with the Claridge design emerged in a Nov. 10, 2006, letter to company vice-president Neil Malhotra in which the NCC complained about changes in the design of the 12-storey tower.

According to the documents obtained for the Citizen by researcher Ken Rubin, Claridge made the changes for "budgetary reasons." But the NCC said the changes were significant enough to trigger a clause in the design approval regulations that called for the issue to be referred to the commission's advisory committee on planning and design.

At its meeting on Feb. 8, 2007, the committee rejected the choice of a window wall because it deprived the building of its previous "simplicity and consistency."

"The strength of the originally proposed design depended on the contrast between the articulated masonry base and the sleek glass tower," the panel said. But with the changes, "there appears to be a loss of the sleekness and elegance in the design that the committee recommended for approval in December 2005."

The committee rejected the choice of a blue colour for the glass tower, later settling for green. It also asked for the design of the balconies, the handling of the kitchen and bathroom exhaust and other physical attributes to be modified.

Prominent Ottawa architect Ron Keenberg said no one should blame Claridge because the NCC is getting what it bargained for when it selected the company as the builder. Mr. Keenberg said Claridge is in the business of making money. It is the NCC, whose duty is to demand architectural excellence, especially on as prominent a site as LeBreton, that should be blamed for any failure, he said.

"You are getting an OK apartment block, nothing special, but nothing bad. If it was built on Montreal Road or Richmond Road, we'd probably say, 'that's nice.' On LeBreton Flats, I'd have expected more. But the NCC got what they wanted," Mr. Keenberg said.

"If I were on the design committee, I'd just have said 'No' to the Claridge proposal in the first place because it was mundane, it was ordinary. But the problem is not with Claridge. The problem is with the NCC's low expectation."

© The Ottawa Citizen 2008.

kwoldtimer
Aug 5, 2008, 2:50 AM
I am still a month away from seeing this building for the first time, but some of the comments in this article confirm the impression I have formed from the photos on this thread, especially Rhys Phillips' description of it as "rather institutional". I am surprised but guess I should not be that the NCC does not or cannot exercise greater control over what is built on its land (or maybe just does so badly?). At the same time, the point is made that this is probably a better than average building in terms of Ottawa apartment towers. Will any lessons be learned? :shrug:

eemy
Aug 5, 2008, 11:07 AM
Will any lessons be learned? :shrug:

We are talking about the NCC here.

clynnog
Aug 5, 2008, 2:02 PM
especially Rhys Phillips' description of it as "rather institutional".

Where has that purveyor of alliteration and general gobbly gook architectural double speak, Rhys Phillips gone to. His gig with the Ottawa Citizen seems to be up and maybe now he has to be a practicing architect and have to defend his own designs.

Mille Sabords
Aug 5, 2008, 3:26 PM
Where has that purveyor of alliteration and general gobbly gook architectural double speak, Rhys Phillips gone to. His gig with the Ottawa Citizen seems to be up and maybe now he has to be a practicing architect and have to defend his own designs.

Thank you for that comment. I've always found that guy to be an airbag. Plus, I've never agreed with a single one of his critiques.

yyz1971
Aug 7, 2008, 3:31 AM
I'm new to the thread. I purchased a unit in Tower 2. And as a stakeholder in this project, I wish to share my thoughts and observations.

The reason I purchased at Lebreton Flats was for location. I wanted to be close to work and still in the outskirts of downtown. Lebreton Flats was the perfect choice. I was a bit concerned about Claridge being the builder, but at the end of the day no matter who got the contract I was buyer.

Tower 1 looks nice... not outstanding, but perhaps for affordability sake it was good that it wasn't too over the top. The features inside the units are adequate, again not overdone. Irregardless of the exterior, since I will be living on the inside, I'm hoping the builders pull through. It not only has to look good, but it has to feel like home, cozy.

For those who are interested, I paid a visit to the sales offices today and here are some things that I learned:

The first purchasers of units in Tower 1 began moving in yesterday. Personally I wouldn't want to be moving in with all that construction still going on!

The prices of the units in Tower 2 have gone up $5,000 since they were released in November 2007.

Occupancy for Tower 2 has been pushed back to Summer 2010. When I purchased my unit they had a tentative move in date of Fall 2009.

They are supposed to break grown for Tower 2 next month.

Personally I can't wait to move in!

c_speed3108
Aug 7, 2008, 12:56 PM
I'm new to the thread. I purchased a unit in Tower 2. And as a stakeholder in this project, I wish to share my thoughts and observations.

The reason I purchased at Lebreton Flats was for location. I wanted to be close to work and still in the outskirts of downtown. Lebreton Flats was the perfect choice. I was a bit concerned about Claridge being the builder, but at the end of the day no matter who got the contract I was buyer.

Tower 1 looks nice... not outstanding, but perhaps for affordability sake it was good that it wasn't too over the top. The features inside the units are adequate, again not overdone. Irregardless of the exterior, since I will be living on the inside, I'm hoping the builders pull through. It not only has to look good, but it has to feel like home, cozy.

For those who are interested, I paid a visit to the sales offices today and here are some things that I learned:

The first purchasers of units in Tower 1 began moving in yesterday. Personally I wouldn't want to be moving in with all that construction still going on!

The prices of the units in Tower 2 have gone up $5,000 since they were released in November 2007.

Occupancy for Tower 2 has been pushed back to Summer 2010. When I purchased my unit they had a tentative move in date of Fall 2009.

They are supposed to break grown for Tower 2 next month.

Personally I can't wait to move in!

That speaks to something I have generally noticed. Claridge seems to have some very good interior designs and layouts, certainly when compared to other builders in the same class. (we won't compare with the likes of Charlesfort since they are build at the high end). Certainly they are miles ahead of urban capital on interiors.

YOWetal
Aug 7, 2008, 1:15 PM
That speaks to something I have generally noticed. Claridge seems to have some very good interior designs and layouts, certainly when compared to other builders in the same class. (we won't compare with the likes of Charlesfort since they are build at the high end). Certainly they are miles ahead of urban capital on interiors.

Yes Having lived in both an Urban Capital and Claridge building, I would agree. Urban capital designs the outside of the buildign and then chops up space into Units, Claridge sticks with basic layouts that lead to basic exteriors. The quality of the hardwood floors, counters, air conditioning/heating etc seems much higher in Urban Capital however.

Renaissance Dandy
Aug 8, 2008, 11:32 PM
I'm quite amused by the notion that condo towers are all of a sudden supposed to be "world class" architecture. Rhys Phillips' idea that people should flock from around the globe to fawn over condo towers in an undeveloped area of Ottawa is foolish beyond words. The most important thing for Lebreton is getting people living there. The War Museum and Bluesfest have planted the seeds nicely, and the condos appear to be a good first step to building a population base.

The real estate market in Ottawa will always be distorted by the presence of government, and expecting elite constructions to just spring from the ground is not realistic. Washington, which is a much bigger private-sector town than Ottawa is, still has major investment issues. It's good that we expect better from the NCC and from developers, but the rhetoric can get a little overheated.

Davis137
Aug 9, 2008, 8:58 PM
Hello All,

I'm new here to the site, and fairly new to Ottawa as well. I live only a few minutes drive away from the LeBreton Flats, and I can likely help posting updates on this area, as well as Westborough Village (as I live between the two...right near Tunney's).

I can say that I started coming to Ottawa, even before being posted here (I met my wife here, who already lived and worked here for years). I think that even if the buildings being built at the Flats are to some degree Ugly, they are certainly nicer than the brownfields they are replacing...something small cities in southern Ontario should start doing more of too actually...

Anyways, I'll be on to look at this, and other threads on a regular basis...

L8tz!

Jamaican-Phoenix
Aug 9, 2008, 9:25 PM
This condo is starting to grow on me slowly, but it's still ugly as sin. I can only hope it blends in more when more condos, office towers and nice areas pop up on the Flats...


P.S. Welcome to SSP Davis. I live near Tunney's Pasture as well, right near Holland and Wellington, in the heart of West Wellington. :D

How are you liking the neighbourhood?

Davis137
Aug 9, 2008, 9:49 PM
I live between Holland and Parkdale (well, I will be, full-time after I move here in 2 weeks or less), and I enjoy the neighbourhood a lot so far. Lots of ammenities, easy access to the Queensway, downtown, transitway, etc. I like Wellington a lot...Love the fact that there's the Oak location closeby, as well as places like foolish Chicken, The Wood, Home Hardware, TD Canada trust, etc etc. I also like the Parkdale Market, and plan to start being a regular patron to it, and many other places around here.

One thing I just thought about that bugs me about this neighbourhood, is that if I wanna go and see a movie, I have to go to cinemas that are far away (Ogilvie, South Keys, Collesium at the far end of Carling, etc). I think it'd be a wise decison to put a movie theatre in the Flats, or perhaps in that area being developed east of Tunney's between Scott Street and the river (think that's Burnside that goes through there?). That way, the folks that live midtown like us, could have somewhere more local to go to. It would also help any other retail that may or may not be built on the flats...as it would obviously increase vehicle and pedestrian traffic for them.

Just some thoughts anyways, and thanks for the welcome....

Davis137
Aug 9, 2008, 9:54 PM
I will be working out of 101 Colonel By once I get here...Figure that'd indicate who my employer is, and what I wear to work 4 out of 5 days per week...lol

Mille Sabords
Sep 2, 2008, 2:59 AM
I trekked out to the construction site today to have a look up close. From far, we see the tower in its two sections sticking out from a distance without any of the detail. Up close, though, I found the building to have some interesting details. Take a look:

(all pictures mine)

From the dirt road at the east of the sales office: (the future connection to Phase II is clearly visible)

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t30/CortinaFan/Ottawa/2008-09-01115.jpg

Walking over and looking at the podium:

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t30/CortinaFan/Ottawa/2008-09-01117.jpg

I didn't know about this feature of the building's design, but I can just see how it will become a pleasant surprise to people who walk through the built-up neighbourhood 25 years from now:

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t30/CortinaFan/Ottawa/2008-09-01118.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t30/CortinaFan/Ottawa/2008-09-01119.jpg

(ok, the bluish tile around the entrance door is a tad reminiscent of the 1970's...)

Looking up:

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t30/CortinaFan/Ottawa/2008-09-01120.jpg

The north side - I like the steel balconies:

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t30/CortinaFan/Ottawa/2008-09-01123.jpg

My batteries didn't make it so I can't show you the east side, facing the tailrace... I'll have to go back!

harls
Sep 3, 2008, 5:21 PM
Trespasser. Where's the guard dog, or did you sedate him with some listeriosis-infected meat? :D

I found this forum on the Ottawa Citizen website : "What do you think of Claridge's first building at LeBreton Flats?" Interesting read..

http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/story.html?id=7d2082ff-dc4c-465d-96e9-8ea5f5661a2e

Ted
Sep 3, 2008, 6:59 PM
I just forwarded the link to it on to the NCC's email - who knows, maybe they'll read the comments and feel shame.

Ottawade
Sep 3, 2008, 7:00 PM
This project is so hideous it makes me want to cry. It is such a rarity that you get to break new ground in an entire neighborhood in a downtown area and to think that we could have had a key building to be proud of that, along with the museum, could mark the start of a new era of architecture in Ottawa. Instead we got something that looks like a poorly designed high school.

Most mediocre projects make me shrug wishing people put a bit more money and polish, but this one actually gets me mad that an organization meant to "build the Capital region into a source of pride and unity for Canadians," builds a building that pretty much says, "We're going to make sure your city stays off map and inspires nobody and we don't give a f---!" Like the different stages of Dante's inferno at the upper level the project starts off with nothing world class, no iconic design, no statues or momentos of anything historically or uniquely Canadian. Descending further the infrastructure and layout fail to provide any innovate incorporations of pedestrian, bike and public transit. Then we delve further down to the point where even expectations of regular buildings, such as ground level retail, inspiring a sense of a unique neighborhood community and not looking hideous could not be met.

I'm not up on the background of the process that got us here, but if this is the best that was proposed to meet their mandate the NCC should have told the designers to pack up and go back to school and to not come back until they had something that looks like they tried

Acajack
Sep 3, 2008, 8:27 PM
Not crazy about the brick the put on there. From the photos at least, it looks too much like the cheap stuff they used to put on public housing in a half-assed attempt to give the low-rentals some *noblesse*.

I do like the peek-a-boo archway with the view of the downtown skyline in the distance, however.

clynnog
Sep 3, 2008, 8:32 PM
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t30/CortinaFan/Ottawa/2008-09-01119.jpg
(ok, the bluish tile around the entrance door is a tad reminiscent of the 1970's...)


You have a problem with the decade that style forgot about?

waterloowarrior
Sep 3, 2008, 10:53 PM
I don't think it looks too bad... except for that blue tile :D

eemy
Sep 4, 2008, 1:11 AM
I don't think it's terrible, but it certainly doesn't help that it stands alone and prominent in a field right now and can't blend into a sea of other buildings.

p_xavier
Sep 4, 2008, 1:46 AM
I don't think it looks too bad... except for that blue tile :D

If the brick would have been dark grey, I'm sure it would have been a beautiful building. Now it looks like an high school.

Davis137
Sep 4, 2008, 9:28 PM
This building is growing on me too, and I think it'll look better when it's occupied, especially in the tower portion, and is lit up at night, with some landscaping around it...I know it sticks out like a sore thumb because of all the dirt piles and other junk in the fields surrounding it...

AuxTown
Sep 4, 2008, 9:38 PM
It's too bad Ottawa is so small. If we were a larger city, a project like this could go ahead as a master-planned, large scale development all at once and we'd see something like the Olympic Park in Van City (extreme example) instead of the 30 year project to develop Lebreton Flats.

They have:

http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/5219/olympicvillagefromfcnaurf5.jpg

and we have a single building sticking out like a sore thumb on a huge site of undeveloped land.

m0nkyman
Sep 4, 2008, 10:21 PM
Yeah, because you need to be a big city to do a development properly. (http://docksidegreen.com/)

Not that I think Dockside Green is perfect, but it's a darn sight better thought out than what is being done at LeBreton.

AuxTown
Sep 5, 2008, 12:18 AM
Yeah, because you need to be a big city to do a development properly. (http://docksidegreen.com/)

Not that I think Dockside Green is perfect, but it's a darn sight better thought out than what is being done at LeBreton.

Great development though slightly different scale (probably 5x smaller). We know who to blame if things don't work out with Lebreton, a little three-letter acronym. They've had their politics all over this thing from the start and chose the Claridge proposal for who knows what reason. I look forward to seeing another developer's style in Phases 2 and 3, at least it will break things up a little. Just imagine all the opportunities for different architectural styles and building uses. Phase 1 makes up a tiny amount of the total development potential.

http://chelkowski-urban-design.com/images/lrg/Lebreton_colour_1600x1200.jpg

movebyleap
Sep 5, 2008, 2:28 AM
Hey! It's City Centre's twin!!

Deez
Sep 5, 2008, 3:38 AM
http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/5219/olympicvillagefromfcnaurf5.jpg

The Olympic Village is definitely an exception, but it's truly amazing to consider that just a little over a year ago this site was nothing but warehouses and parking lots. Shows how fast things can move if the money/market is there.

http://photos-e.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v71/239/3/122608260/n122608260_32606996_7666.jpg

(my photo from the Cambie St. bridge)

Ottawade
Sep 5, 2008, 2:51 PM
Hey! It's City Centre's twin!!

LOL Ouch!

jstudent
Sep 16, 2008, 7:33 PM
Hello All:

My name is Elise and I am a journalism student at Carleton University. I am currently working on an article in regards to LeBreton Flats and the Claridge Homes development. I am trying to get in touch with anyone who has either a) moved into Tower One recently or b) has purchased housing from Claridge Homes in the LeBreton area and has a strong opinion on the development as a whole.

The focus of my story is that residents have begun moving into Tower 1, and Tower 2 is still to come up... but individuals still have concerns about the development.

My deadline is tomorrow at 8:30 a.m. If you'd like to call me at any hour of the day (even 2 a.m.) I'd greatly appreciate it.

My cell number is 613-875-5982.

Elise