General Update/Rumour thread

[Uhuniau]

OK, maybe shitty looking is the better expression. Dalhousie ain't a pretty street.

Care to name a pretty street?

Dalhousie has good short blocks, diverse buildings and uses, pretty well everything you'd ever need. A couple of surface lots that could use filling in, and that fugly hotel; would that every street in Ottawa had those as their worst problems.

[KHOOLE]

[QUOTE=J.OT13;5963750]Looking for the big ugly hotel that was to be built on George, I found this; a Hyatt that was supposed to be built in 1980 pretty much where it will (if it is a Hyatt) today, on George between Cumberland and Dalhousie. It also mentions the Western International (Westin) attached to the Rideau.

http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=n64yAAAAIBAJ&sjid=du4FAAAAIBAJ&pg=2631,3738231&dq=george+street+hotel+ottawa&hl=en


Here is something else; a vision of Ottawa in 2000 imagined by Durell, Pigott and Haydon.

http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=1eM0AAAAIBAJ&sjid=VvUIAAAAIBAJ&pg=3042,3995042&dq=byward+market+redevelopment&hl=en

That's the one: vision of Ottawa in year 2000

This article is dated Oct 8, 1986

It mentions an extension of the market to King Edward. No mention of the planned 20 storey hotel on George St but you are right, I think, about being built on the Freiman store (aka The Bay) site.

" Anyway, I remember seeing a Citizen article showing a big 20 some story staircase building on George. I think it was supposed to replace Freiman's. Thank God that one was never built.[/QUOTE"

Jim Durrell was involved and he had to back down because of opposition from the local business association.

Note the "young" pictures of Jim Durrell and of Andy Haydon of 24 years ago.

I think that the Market area that we now know and appreciate would have disappeared at that time, just like Lower Town East, which very much then looked like what Hintonburg looks like at the present.

Sometimes too much change too quickly is not the best thing to do because it destroys the social, cultural and social fabric of a neighbourhood. Change should be gradual and acceptable.

That's my concern about the changes that a LRT station could bring to Dalhousie St. Look what the Rideau Centre did to Rideau St.! This street used to be a very healthy and vibrant business area. Not counting the Daly Building, it had 4 department stores and 3 5&10 stores to start with, all within 2 city blocks.

With the planned alterations to 325 Dalhousie, I hope that the whole streetscape is not changed all at once.

However, a mid-size building to replace the Courtyard parking lot would be a positive thing to do.

[kevinbottawa]

It also mentions the Western International (Westin) attached to the Rideau.

http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=n64yAAAAIBAJ&sjid=du4FAAAAIBAJ&pg=2631,3738231&dq=george+street+hotel+ottawa&hl=en

The article says there used to be a Four Seasons. Anyone know where that hotel was?

[J.OT13]

The article says there used to be a Four Seasons. Anyone know where that hotel was?

I ust have skiped that part yesterday. I have no idea where it was (or that we even ever had one).

PdV,s Mariott was a Radison before; it only changed once. Delta/Crowne Plaza/Skyline might have carried other brands, so that might be it.

[gjhall]

Application for Union du Canada site is up: http://app01.ottawa.ca/postingplans/appDetails.jsf?lang=en&appId=__8E3BLV

[teej1984]

Some renders of the union du Canada building. Looks kinda cool

http://www.lapresse.ca/le-droit/actualites/ville-dottawa/201301/09/01-4609662-un-nouvel-hotel-dans-le-marche-by.php?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

[Harley613]

we have a thread for the union of canada site with all the renders and whatnot

[McC]

moved to other thread

[citizen j]

The article says there used to be a Four Seasons. Anyone know where that hotel was?

South side of Albert St. at O'Connor (SE corner). It's the Sheraton now.

[Davis137]

I could be wrong, but this morning it looked like there might be some cranes and equipment going up in the location where distillery lofts should be going...at least when viewed from the Airport Parkway.

[MichelKazan]

I ust have skiped that part yesterday. I have no idea where it was (or that we even ever had one).

PdV,s Mariott was a Radison before; it only changed once. Delta/Crowne Plaza/Skyline might have carried other brands, so that might be it.

Marriott was a Radisson and before that it was a Holiday Inn.
Radisson was a Travelodge.
Delta was a Crowne Plaza, before that, it was the Citadel Hotel briefly and before that it was the Skyline.
Sheraton was a Four Seasons.
The ARC was a Howard Johnson's.
The ugly Marriott in the Market was a Holiday Inn.

[easy as pie]

Bank and Florence sign went up. 5 storeys.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8069/8268095822_f1c1f2447a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rakerman/8268095822/)
[406-408 Bank Street] (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rakerman/8268095822/) by rakerman (http://www.flickr.com/people/rakerman/), on Flickr

wtf ottawa, you have to pay the city if you DON'T build parking spaces?? that's so backward and crazy.

[J.OT13]

Marriott was a Radisson and before that it was a Holiday Inn.
Radisson was a Travelodge.
Delta was a Crowne Plaza, before that, it was the Citadel Hotel briefly and before that it was the Skyline.
Sheraton was a Four Seasons.
The ARC was a Howard Johnson's.
The ugly Marriott in the Market was a Holiday Inn.

Why do they shuffle so much? And Four Seasons to Sheraton; isn't that kind of a demotion (I think, I'm not an expert at hotel brands)?

Anyway, thanks for the clarifications.

[Cre47]

And the Holiday Inn in Gatineau on Montcalm is now a Crowne Plaza and If I'm not mistaken the Ramada further down on Laurier by the Museum of Civilization is now a Four Points Sheraton.

But shockingly, the ugly Best Western hotel right in front of Jacques-Cartier Park is still a Best Western, but many many years ago it was Sheraton.

But agree the whole shuffling is ridiculous. Sarcastically I'm surprise that the Westin is still the Westin

[McC]

Best Westerns are often (usually?) franchises.

[rakerman]

wtf ottawa, you have to pay the city if you DON'T build parking spaces?? that's so backward and crazy.

This is actually better than many cities, particularly in the US, where parking is mandatory, and minimum parking requirements end up screwing up urban developments.

[harls]

What is the project behind the school on Woodroffe (near Carlingwood mall?)

[rakerman]

European Glass http://www.europeanglass.ca/ is moving to 1750 Woodward Avenue. In its place at 488 Bank Urban Capital has proposed a 9-storey tower with ground-level retail (this used to be under the branding "South Central").

The existing brick building would be demolished. There's a rendering on page 19 of the report; standard Urban Capital glass and steel box, with notable use of black steel.

Report: http://app05.ottawa.ca/sirepub/cache/2/st2dhp0uyd0xyma05nk3zov1/3919101112013123554609.PDF

You can see the current building at http://www.flickr.com/photos/rakerman/8218804724/

[gjhall]

What is the project behind the school on Woodroffe (near Carlingwood mall?)

Could it be the Claridge seniors home where the YMCA was? (Apologies if I'm way off, my Carlingwood knowledge is shaky at best!)

[MountainView]

Could it be the Claridge seniors home where the YMCA was? (Apologies if I'm way off, my Carlingwood knowledge is shaky at best!)

You're correct and it is the new Claridge seniors retirement home. I believe it's going to be 6-7 stories tall. I can see the crane from my apartment.

[harls]

Cool, thanks.

[J.OT13]

Attika 3.0

http://app01.ottawa.ca/postingplans/appDetails.jsf?lang=en&appId=__9HBPW7

[kevinbottawa]

They're still proposing 18 storeys? That won't go over well.

[kevinbottawa]

Attika 3.0

http://app01.ottawa.ca/postingplans/appDetails.jsf?lang=en&appId=__9HBPW7

Looks a LOT better than the previous rendering:

Before
http://imagecontent.buzzbuzzhome.com/imageSponsors/CoverImages/2012_11_19_11_56_56_ext.png

After
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9nYmRdXlzC4/UPXxUz8Di-I/AAAAAAAACVE/wdcZZSKLtts/s804/Attika.png

[gjhall]

Did anyone else notice that the sign for "Prime Development Land" for sale at the parking lot next to Metro on Rideau Street now has a "SOLD" sticker on it. A quick check on eMaps shows that the parking lot and the Metro are the same parcel of land...could it be true that this is finally being redeveloped? Here's hoping.

[McC]

???????wha??????

[ServiceGuy]

Did anyone else notice that the sign for "Prime Development Land" for sale at the parking lot next to Metro on Rideau Street now has a "SOLD" sticker on it. A quick check on eMaps shows that the parking lot and the Metro are the same parcel of land...could it be true that this is finally being redeveloped? Here's hoping.

Bought by Claridge I believe. Plaza 5 & 6 or something else? Dunno. :shrug:

[J.OT13]

Bought by Claridge I believe. Plaza 5 & 6 or something else? Dunno. :shrug:

Plaza 5-6 will be on the Dorkin Furs site (I believe). But Claridge buying the Metro might expalin why they backed out of the Beth Shalome purchase.

[gjhall]

Plaza 5-6 will be on the Dorkin Furs site (I believe). But Claridge buying the Metro might expalin why they backed out of the Beth Shalome purchase.

i thought Dworkin was Phoenix? And that Beth Shalom was backed out of because of their Union du Canada proposal.

[Harley613]

I also thought Dworkin was bought by Phoenix. If there is a Plaza V&VI I'll be very angry if it is in the same height range as I-IV. I don't even care if it's shorter. I just don't want to see 6 little stump condos in the market all in the same outdated style.

[J.OT13]

I could be wrong (and probably am).

[TMA-1]

A 4th crane was erected at the Landsdowne site on Friday 25th.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8196/8419171544_e63abb3cbc.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/23575605@N08/8419171544/)
ottawa landsdowne park 0294 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/23575605@N08/8419171544/) by southfacing (http://www.flickr.com/people/23575605@N08/), on Flickr

[Zach6668]

Has making Elgin more pedestrian friendly ever really been discussed on at least a semi-serious level by the city?

The sidewalks are ridiculously thin most of the way, and with parked cars up the sides, not very biker friendly.

Is it just too narrow to be able to do much with? And/or too much of a main street type, carrying a lot of auto traffic?

[Uhuniau]

Has making Elgin more pedestrian friendly ever really been discussed on at least a semi-serious level by the city?

The sidewalks are ridiculously thin most of the way, and with parked cars up the sides, not very biker friendly.

Is it just too narrow to be able to do much with? And/or too much of a main street type, carrying a lot of auto traffic?

Not sure that there's much to be done in the sidewalk-widening department. And having too many people for the sidewalks is a great problem to have. I'd rather that, a "too narrow" street, than the windswept Siberian barrens of Elgin north of Lisgar. It's gonna be awesome when the courthouse reaches the end of its useful life as a building and can be imploded with extreme prejudice.

[waterloowarrior]

High hopes for Booth Street ‘Distillery District’
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/ottawa/High+hopes+Booth+Street+Distillery+District/7889564/story.html


OTTAWA — Natural Resources Canada’s plans to get rid of part of its huge building complex on Booth Street is adding to hopes that the area could become Ottawa’s version of Toronto’s popular Distillery District.

The idea of creating a shopping and entertainment area out of repurposed brick government buildings on the land north of Carling Avenue near Preston Street has been kicked around for some time, but would require NRCan to give up the property.

The department said late last week that it is now “in discussions” to transfer ownership of a piece of land bound by Norman, Booth, Orangeville and Rochester streets to the Canada Lands Company, which would then decide what to do with it.

[kevinbottawa]

Here's a blog post from the Wellington Village Community Association about a development at Richmond and Tweedsmuir, next to the LCBO:

http://blog.westwellington.ca/events/proposed-mixed-use-development-richmond-road-and-tweedsmuir/

Here's the rendering that appears in the post:

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-02l7QgCxsBk/UQiqyaB2nHI/AAAAAAAACWI/oQ0LmpeKSHg/s720/Richmond_Tweedsmuir.png

Here's the lot now:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WOMQRlJTh8E/UQiyBWd9NsI/AAAAAAAACWc/1SFTqbJ73TQ/s857/Richmond_Tweedsmuir%25282%2529.png

[McC]

It's hard to tell, but it doesn't look like it includes the motel to me. The owners of the large house that used to be immediately south of the motel (http://goo.gl/maps/8h34r) sought to rezone it for a small apartment building. Since the house is gone now, I assume that's been approved.

[Dado]

Here's a blog post from the Wellington Village Community Association about a development at Richmond and Tweedsmuir, next to the LCBO:

http://blog.westwellington.ca/events/proposed-mixed-use-development-richmond-road-and-tweedsmuir/

Here's the rendering that appears in the post:

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-02l7QgCxsBk/UQiqyaB2nHI/AAAAAAAACWI/oQ0LmpeKSHg/s720/Richmond_Tweedsmuir.png

Here's the lot now:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WOMQRlJTh8E/UQiyBWd9NsI/AAAAAAAACWc/1SFTqbJ73TQ/s857/Richmond_Tweedsmuir%25282%2529.png


Quick! Someone tell the developer that six-storey buildings aren't economic. He could be making a huge mistake! After all, we have it on the authority of no less than Jack Stirling of Minto in presentation to Council:

"'It’s lovely to talk about a four-to-six-storey building, but there’s no such thing economically,' [Jack Stirling] said."

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/bikes+cars+developers+neighbourhoods+city+begins+review+official+plan/7888320/story.html#ixzz2JOrX5V7S


It's hard to tell, but it doesn't look like it includes the motel to me. The owners of the large house that used to be immediately south of the motel (http://goo.gl/maps/8h34r) sought to rezone it for a small apartment building. Since the house is gone now, I assume that's been approved.


It doesn't include the motel, unfortunately. It would have been a nice sized development if the garage/dealership, the motel and that house had all been combined together, especially with the grade change on Tweedsmuir - ground floor residential on Tweedsmuir could have transitioned into second floor residential above storefronts along Richmond, with a better stepping down than is possible with the garage/dealership lot alone.


On a different note... Another Starbucks for Westboro? I suppose people can do laps between the two. That brings the chain café count in Westboro up to five (two Bridgeheads, two Starbucks, one Second Cup), plus at least one independent café ("the village café") and two tea houses. You might not be able to find a hardware store to buy picture hangers, but at least you have lots of places to bitch about to friends over coffee or tea. Plus it seems that RBC is going to return to Westboro after having vacated it several years ago.

[McC]

You might not be able to find a hardware store to buy picture hangers, but at least you have lots of places to bitch about to friends over coffee or tea.
You may have all of the grocery stores further west, but we still have Morris east of Holland! (for how long, though?)

[J.OT13]

It's hard to tell, but it doesn't look like it includes the motel to me. The owners of the large house that used to be immediately south of the motel (http://goo.gl/maps/8h34r) sought to rezone it for a small apartment building. Since the house is gone now, I assume that's been approved.

Was it a nice house?

As for the render; let's give them credit for showing us exactly what we're getting (mediocre condo building with yet another bank and Starbucks, even the blank wall) instead of dressing it up to look better than what we will eventually end up with (see 360 Lofts in the Market).

But I do believe that Bulk Barn will be a new addition to Westboro, right?

[McC]

It was a big red brick century house, that was probably nice at one time, but had been chopped up for apartments and allowed to deteriorate. It was the kind of house that could have been (but wasn't necessarily) home to the proprietor of the whole damn neighbourhood at one time, back in the day when it would have all just been farm fields and cottages and such. there are still a few of these around the west side.

And I was wondering if that red lettering and maple leaf meant Bulk Barn, that would be a neat (and refreshingly low-rent) addition to the neighbourhood. Bulk fruits and nuts and other specialized baking and cooking supplies that Bulk Barn sells are way over-priced at Superstore, and it would be nice to have someone give them some competition for that.

[Dado]

The Bulk Barn doesn't have the word "Food" in its name, which that identifier clearly does. I really can't figure out what the other word is, though.

Not that I would complain about having a Bulk Barn - it would be kind of handy. Also good would be an M&M Meatshop.


It's too bad someone didn't stop the LCBO from putting in a single-storey, single-use box store next door. That's such a waste of a possible mixed use development like this one.

[waterloowarrior]

Quick! Someone tell the developer that six-storey buildings aren't economic. He could be making a huge mistake! After all, we have it on the authority of no less than Jack Stirling of Minto in presentation to Council:

"'It’s lovely to talk about a four-to-six-storey building, but there’s no such thing economically,' [Jack Stirling] said."

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/bikes+cars+developers+neighbourhoods+city+begins+review+official+plan/7888320/story.html#ixzz2JOrX5V7S


maybe they crunched the numbers since then


Meeting for a Proposed Development at Richmond Road and Tweedsmuir – Update
Posted: January 31st, 2013 |http://blog.westwellington.ca/events/meeting-for-a-proposed-development-at-richmond-road-and-tweedsmuir-update/

Further to the earlier notice for the meeting on Wednesday February 6 at 7:00 pm at Hilson Public school with respect to the proposed development at Richmond Road and Tweedsmuir, please note that the meeting has been changed to Thursday, February 7 at 7:00 pm at Hilson Public School.

The Hampton Iona Community Group was also advised by the developer’s architect that the owner has decided to modify their plans and will now be seeking approval to build a 9 storey building rather than the earlier indicated 6 storey building (as shown in the photo attached to the earlier notice). As such, with their plans to build a higher building, approval for this proposed development will now be through the Planning Committee rather than the Committee of Adjustment. Given the proposed changes to this development, it is more critical that the community come out to this meeting to hear what the developer has to say and for the developer to receive input from the community.

[Dado]

Ya... I saw that too.

Maybe they read this site, or someone else did and took my advice. [Note to any City Transportation types reading this: you could do the same!]


It is odd though that they would come forward with a proposal and then up it by 50%. And there is a five-storey building going in further west along Richmond, on an even smaller former used-car lot.

[McC]

Maybe they read this site, or someone else did and took my advice. [Note to any City Transportation types reading this: you could do the same!]

Nice try!

[amanfromnowhere]

Personally I prefer if they stay at 6 floors and potential replacing the LCBO with 9 story building (with the LCBO). It would be nice transition to the west

[TransitZilla]

The Bulk Barn doesn't have the word "Food" in its name, which that identifier clearly does. I really can't figure out what the other word is, though.


It just says "Health Food", so obviously just a generic placeholder. It certainly uses the Bulk Barn font/logo though.

Full sized image here: http://blog.westwellington.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Composite-1174-Shot-2013-01-13b.jpg

[McC]

It just says "Health Food"[/url] so it does, good eye!

[c_speed3108]

Bought by Claridge I believe. Plaza 5 & 6 or something else? Dunno. :shrug:


Confirmed. Metro Rideau site was bought by Claridge Homes for $22.15 Million

Also confirmed Dworkin Furs was bought by Phoenix Homes.

http://www.obj.ca/Real-Estate/Residential/2013-02-05/article-3170464/Claridge-buys-Rideau-Street-Metro-for-%252422.15M/1?newsletterid=3&date=2013-02-05-08

[McC]

wow! so there really will be Claridge Plaza V and VI? I was always just kidding about that! That seems a hefty price tag for that property (is it with or without the parking lot fronting Cumberland? with or without the LCBO? the article is ambiguous about that), given that they will still need to go through all the planning and zoning approvals to get tower(s) in the 30-storey range on that lot.

[gjhall]

wow! so there really will be Claridge Plaza V and VI? I was always just kidding about that! That seems a hefty price tag for that property (is it with or without the parking lot fronting Cumberland? with or without the LCBO? the article is ambiguous about that), given that they will still need to go through all the planning and zoning approvals to get tower(s) in the 30-storey range on that lot.

Includes parking lot on west side, and some part (that's not clear) on the east side too. Not the LCBO. You can check the lot on the City's eMap.

I would guess that Claridge is confident that they will get a significant rezoning, I couldn't see a scenario where they won't. That being said, they had better get their application in before the OP review goes forward limiting 30 storey buildings to CDP approved sites if that's what they're after.

My hope here is that they will NOT continue the vernacular of I, II, III, and IV. Neil, give us a break please! Perhaps the plan is to move the plan for the Synagogue site to here? Would make sense to build up the west end of Rideay before taking a bigger risk further east, especially with LRT, etc.

[kevinbottawa]

Claridge buys Rideau Street Metro for $22.15M

Published on February 5, 2013
Peter Kovessy

One of Ottawa’s largest condo builders is expanding its downtown footprint with the purchase of a 1.25-acre supermarket and development site.

Claridge Homes paid $22.15 million for the property at 245 Rideau St., at Cumberland Street, according to data published by real estate information firm RealTrack. The vendor is listed as a numbered Ontario company represented by Ottawa real estate broker Brent Taylor. Sources say the property, which has been on the market for several years, is owned by the Taylor family.

At approximately $406.80 a square foot, the purchase price ranks as one of the highest for land in Ottawa in recent years, according to statistics compiled by Colliers International. Claridge is widely thought to have set a record for local land prices when it paid $625.53 a square foot for the 14,423-square-foot lot at 505 Preston St., at Carling Avenue. Not far from the Metro site, Phoenix Homes paid $454.30 a square foot for the 13,207-square-foot site at 256 Rideau St. and 211 Besserer St., according to Colliers.

A description in the RealTrack report says the 245 Rideau St. property is fully leased to Metro, but does not indicate the term length. A spokesperson for the Montreal-based grocery store chain was not immediately available for comment.

The report also says the property was purchased “for future (in 5-10 years) development of a residential condo building of up to 30 storeys with ground floor retail.” Claridge Homes vice-president Neil Malhotra did not respond to a request for comment.

Claridge recently purchased the Union of Canada office building and development site in the ByWard Market and has applied to convert the property into a hotel. Across the street from the Metro, the homebuilder is currently constructing the third and fourth phases of its Claridge Plaza condo development. The two projects will contain approximately 450 units and build on the approximately 500 units within the first two phases of the development.

“Claridge has been developing in and around that area for several years,” said Ross Tavel, a sales representative at Royal Lepage Performance Realty.

Many of the new condominiums being constructed downtown are targeted at young professionals and first-time homebuyers. It’s a market segment that’s under some pressure from tightening mortgage rules and limited opportunities with the city’s largest employer, the federal government.

But despite the rapid increase in Ottawa’s downtown condo inventory and signs of a slowing real estate market, Mr. Tavel says the condo resale market remains “excellent.”

“The days on market has been a bit higher, but it is very healthy.”

http://www.obj.ca/Real-Estate/Residential/2013-02-05/article-3170464/Claridge-buys-Rideau-Street-Metro-for-%2422.15M/1

[Acajack]

So this means that the Metro store will be demolished?

[gjhall]

So this means that the Metro store will be demolished?

Presumably Claridge didn't pay 22M to collect rent on a Metro grocery store, so yes, I would think so. No reason a bigger and better grocery store (Metro or otherwise) couldn't be built in the ground floor.

On a related note, I had a look at the zoning there, and it is dictated by the Parliamentary viewplane, described for the site here: http://ottawa.ca/sites/ottawa.ca/files/migrated/files/wc013701.pdf

Can anyone make head or tail of that to determine heights?

[kevinbottawa]

I assume this includes the LCBO as well. Doesn't say in the article.

I'd love for them to build something mixed use like the Hullmark Centre in T.O. Perhaps incorporate a concert hall or a new Holt Renfrew.

http://www.torontocondoboutique.com/imgstor/fullsize/0000/0094/tridel.jpg?1243362437

This is enough land to do something significant, but it's sad it's not connected to the LRT line. Hopefully they don't mess it up with crappy design and crappy retail tenants.

[c_speed3108]

wow! so there really will be Claridge Plaza V and VI? I was always just kidding about that! That seems a hefty price tag for that property (is it with or without the parking lot fronting Cumberland? with or without the LCBO? the article is ambiguous about that), given that they will still need to go through all the planning and zoning approvals to get tower(s) in the 30-storey range on that lot.


It would include the parking lot along Cumberland, the Metro building and about two thirds of the parking between Metro and the LCBO (up to the trees in the middle of the parking lot)

The LCBO and the first (lets call it) two rows and one driveway of parking is not included.

https://maps.google.com/?ll=45.428929,-75.68672&spn=0.001067,0.001026&t=h&z=20

[Acajack]

It would include the parking lot along Cumberland, the Metro building and about two thirds of the parking between Metro and the LCBO (up to the trees in the middle of the parking lot)

The LCBO and the first (lets call it) two rows and one driveway of parking is not included.

https://maps.google.com/?ll=45.428929,-75.68672&spn=0.001067,0.001026&t=h&z=20

Very interesting aerial view. I would have never thought the LCBO was as big as the Metro.

[Ryersonian]

Presumably Claridge didn't pay 22M to collect rent on a Metro grocery store, so yes, I would think so. No reason a bigger and better grocery store (Metro or otherwise) couldn't be built in the ground floor.

On a related note, I had a look at the zoning there, and it is dictated by the Parliamentary viewplane, described for the site here: http://ottawa.ca/sites/ottawa.ca/files/migrated/files/wc013701.pdf

Can anyone make head or tail of that to determine heights?

Ottawa is about 114m above sea level...this schedule says 148m....about 3m a storey make for 11-12....Quick call a professional planner...

[blackjagger]

Ottawa is about 114m above sea level...this schedule says 148m....about 3m a storey make for 11-12....Quick call a professional planner...

The elevation plan for the Union du Canada proposal shows a ground floor elevation of around 62M. So we are looking at a roughly 80M tower give or take, so another 25-30 storey building.

Cheers,
Josh

[Dado]

Ottawa is about 114m above sea level...this schedule says 148m....about 3m a storey make for 11-12....Quick call a professional planner...

The Ottawa River at the foot of the Rideau Canal is at 40-41 m above sea level.

Nowhere in Ottawa is at 148 m. Only the Gatineau Hills get that high up around here, or further west in the Lanark Highlands.

[J.OT13]

Detailed dociment about the height restrictions;

see page 83 and 105.

http://cityhallwatch.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/ncc_views-protection-u-of-t-2002-finalreport.pdf

Still can't come up with an exact height, but I figure it will end up the exact same height as CP I, II, III and VI since the whole areas seems to be at the exact same elevation (the height restriction are basicly a level viewplane over the city, cutting off the top of existing buildings).

[waterloowarrior]

This site is ±60m above sea level (http://www.daftlogic.com/sandbox-google-maps-find-altitude.htm), height limit is 143-148m, building should be about 85m tall, maybe 25-30 floors.
(edit i.e. what Josh said :))

[Luker]

Detailed dociment about the height restrictions;

see page 83 and 105.

http://cityhallwatch.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/ncc_views-protection-u-of-t-2002-finalreport.pdf

Still can't come up with an exact height, but I figure it will end up the exact same height as CP I, II, III and VI since the whole areas seems to be at the exact same elevation (the height restriction are basicly a level viewplane over the city, cutting off the top of existing buildings).

What a shame, who wants a level plane of stump buildings to represent their city/skyline. Hopefully something special is done. It would be a great corner to build a great point tower and complex with a grocer, retail, hall/theatre and a community use...

Also, you have to imagine that, if done right, this development should serve as a major catalyst for reinvigorating and animating this part of Rideau at all time of the day. Moreover, such a development will most definitely aid in reuniting the street east and west of King Edward.

[J.OT13]

Office developers running out of downtown land

Condo builders are squeezing office developers out of the downtown core to the point that the few remaining commercial development sites are insufficient to meet demand for new space beyond the next decade, according to a local real estate expert.

Nathan Smith, a senior vice-president in Cushman & Wakefield Ottawa’s capital markets group, said developers have constructed slightly more than six million square feet of office space in the central business district over the last 30 years, including 2.5 million square feet since 2001.

In a luncheon speech Wednesday to members of the Ottawa chapter of the Building Owners and Managers Association, Mr. Smith said the central business district can accommodate an additional 2.5 million square feet of space under current zoning regulations.

The largest remaining downtown office development sites include Brookfield’s surface parking lot at Kent Street, between Queen and Albert streets, Morguard’s property at the corner of Bank and Slater streets, as well as GWL’s site just west of O’Connor Street, between Laurier Avenue and Slater Street.

Alterna Savings is also selling its property on Albert Street for redevelopment, and was in discussions with Broccolini Construction last summer.

Based on past consumption patterns, Mr. Smith said the city will run out of development opportunities by 2023 unless the city relaxes zoning restrictions.

“With the apparent insatiable appetite by our condo developers in acquiring all downtown sites from the Queensway to Parliament Hill, how will the (central business district) keep up with demand for office space?” he said.

“The city has certainly given residential developers free rein, balanced by intensification guidelines … Is it time Ottawa has truly high-rise office development? Should Brookfield, Morguard, GWL and others be permitted to double their density?” he rhetorically asked.

Mr. Smith also highlighted that federal downsizing has not had the negative impact on landlords some had predicted.

That’s because Public Works’s portfolio is comprised of buildings that it owns as well as space that it leases from the private sector.

While the federal government has indicated it has or will vacate 1.4 million square feet in central Ottawa, the bulk of that space has been in the older buildings that it owns and are in need of extensive renovations, according to Mr. Smith.

Rather than putting the pinch on landlords, he said Public Works has actually increased its leased portfolio by approximately 270,000 net square feet. Those landlords losing government tenants are generally the owners of older properties that would have been at risk with or without federal budget cuts, Mr. Smith said.


http://www.obj.ca/Real-Estate/Non-residential/2013-02-13/article-3176752/Office-developers-running-out-of-downtown-land/1

I'm surprised the Centre Town Master Plan has no consideration for this problem. Maybe zoning for a few office towers south of Gloucester Street.

Otherwise, it seems to me that letting GWL (next to BMO Tower) build 30 storeys and let Morguard (Standard Life III) and Brookfield (Place de Ville IV) build one 35 storey and two of 30 and 35 storeys, respectively, would not affect the Parliament’s dominance of the skyline, nor the sight lines in any way while greatly increasing the potential office space.

Same with the Alterna Savings (Broccolini) site just west of the CBD, they should allow for 2x30 office towers.

[Radster]

They forgot about the Windmill development on Queen past Bay street, there is an office tower going up there as well in the near future.

[J.OT13]

They forgot about the Windmill development on Queen past Bay street, there is an office tower going up there as well in the near future.

That's only about 130 000 sqft and it's not a place where we can increase the density.

[kevinbottawa]

There's a 'for sale' sign up at the Proshine car wash on the north east corner of Wellington West and Island Park. It'll be interesting to see who buys it.

[m3i6]

There's a 'for sale' sign up at the Proshine car wash on the north east corner of Wellington West and Island Park. It'll be interesting to see who buys it.

hopefully the buyer will do the homework and avoid this if they are looking to develop...
http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=176387&highlight=proshine

[McC]

Again, eh? The southwest corner (where European Motorworks used to be) and the northwest corner both changed hands not too long ago, only to continue to host used car lots. I wonder if the fact that Ashcroft, Richcraft or Claridge hasn't snapped up these lots already is a silent testimony to the challenging economics of developing them?

[gjhall]

Again, eh? The southwest corner (where European Motorworks used to be) and the northwest corner both changed hands not too long ago, only to continue to host used car lots. I wonder if the fact that Ashcroft, Richcraft or Claridge hasn't snapped up these lots already is a silent testimony to the challenging economics of developing them?

I think what we'll find is that the level of contamination may force the hand of the owners to build only commercial at the site, to significantly reduce the amount of remediation required.

[Proof Sheet]

There's a 'for sale' sign up at the Proshine car wash on the north east corner of Wellington West and Island Park. It'll be interesting to see who buys it.

How about a Shoppers Drug Mart:notacrook: That area of the City is lacking a Shoppers.

[McC]

I think what we'll find is that the level of contamination may force the hand of the owners ...

yuck.

For all of the times "Marquee Location" gets thrown around, this intersection actually is one, or ought to be, only it's really really let down by the uses on all 4 corners
(though, admittedly, the Esso is about as nice as a North American gas station can be, notwithstanding that one by Mies bloody van der Roh on Ile des Soeurs https://www.google.ca/search?q=mies+van+der+rohe+gas+station&hl=en&rlz=1C1CHVN_enCA523CA523&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=5JkrUYyVHrGQ0QHrp4DYBA&ved=0CEMQsAQ&biw=1680&bih=901)

[Beedok]

http://www.obj.ca/Real-Estate/Non-residential/2013-02-13/article-3176752/Office-developers-running-out-of-downtown-land/1

I'm surprised the Centre Town Master Plan has no consideration for this problem. Maybe zoning for a few office towers south of Gloucester Street.

Otherwise, it seems to me that letting GWL (next to BMO Tower) build 30 storeys and let Morguard (Standard Life III) and Brookfield (Place de Ville IV) build one 35 storey and two of 30 and 35 storeys, respectively, would not affect the Parliament’s dominance of the skyline, nor the sight lines in any way while greatly increasing the potential office space.

Same with the Alterna Savings (Broccolini) site just west of the CBD, they should allow for 2x30 office towers.

Maybe they should open up Lebreton?

[J.OT13]

Maybe they should open up Lebreton?

I think that LeBreton might be even more contreversial with the whole height restrictions. But it would be a good idea.

[J.OT13]

The Iraqi embassy has received approval from the planning committee. It looks damn good and Claridge, those damn hypocrites, should seriously back-off.

New Iraqi embassy gets first approval from City of Ottawa

Iraq has received one of two city approvals it needs to raze its embassy at 215 McLeod St. and build a new one.

The planning committee Tuesday signed off on the redevelopment plan and is sending its recommendation to council, which must sign off on the demolition in a heritage conservation district.

In this case, it’s the Centretown heritage conservation district.

The current two-storey, gated building across from the Museum of Nature was constructed in 1957. The new embassy is proposed to be a four-storey, “irregularly shaped” glassy building designed like an ancient temple.

About 33 staff work at the embassy.

“The building has strong cultural references to the Republic of Iraq but these references are made in a subtle way that allows the building to remain sympathetic to the character of Centretown,” city planners write in a report.

Planners also like that the fence will be removed and formal entrance will be built off McLeod St.

Council will consider the committee’s recommendation Wednesday.


http://www.ottawasun.com/2013/02/26/new-iraqi-embassy-gets-first-approval-from-city-of-ottawa

[Boxster]

The Iraqi embassy has received approval from the planning committee. It looks damn good and Claridge, those damn hypocrites, should seriously back-off.



http://www.ottawasun.com/2013/02/26/new-iraqi-embassy-gets-first-approval-from-city-of-ottawa

Nice building but why waste precious downtown land?

[J.OT13]

We are the capital, so embassies are part of the deal. Besides, we really shouldn’t build anything taller than the Museum in this area. For this particular site, I think we are looking at the best case scenario (especially when you look at Iraq’s old proposal for the Loeb House before the city smacked a historical designation on it, now that was a hideous piece of junk).

[Beedok]

Nice building but why waste precious downtown land?

I think it's going to be at the same location as the current one.

[Boxster]

I think it's going to be at the same location as the current one.

Yes you are right. However, they could of relocated
to some remote area.

[gjhall]

Yes you are right. However, they could of relocated
to some remote area.

Why would you want an embassy to be in a remote area?

[J.OT13]

I agree that the embassies are usualy (or always) hostile places with minimal interaction to the street due too, of course, security reasons.But the fact is, they usualy want to be close to the political and financial core of the cities in which they reside. Some "better" sites could be considered in areas that are still central, but less public such as Sandy Hill or Rockliff Park as opposed to Sussex Drive (what a dreadful area) or Centrtown, but that's just how it is.

Let's count ourselves lucky that they are not looking at building there embassy in the Market or the CBD.

[Boxster]

Why would you want an embassy to be in a remote area?

Only Middle East countries. They have too many prime spots in my opinion. They already own a good portion (and the best spots) along Sussex.

[J.OT13]

Just a random comment; we should sell (or trade) that "Canada and the World Pavillion" on Sussex to another country. It has 0 potential for anything better.

[McC]

Q: do all of those new embassies on Sussex own or lease their lands? I would have thought that it was generally the latter.

[gjhall]

Only Middle East countries. They have too many prime spots in my opinion. They already own a good portion (and the best spots) along Sussex.

Why only Middle East countries? They're the ones who are building embassies right now.

[McC]

Why only Middle East countries? They're the ones who are building embassies right now.
Stepping a little further East on the Globe, I'd like to see Kazakhstan build a standalone embassy here, because they LOVES them some crazy monumental architecture; can you imagine anything like any of these images from Astana on Sussex or Wellington in the Flats? https://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&authuser=0&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1680&bih=901&q=astana&oq=astana&gs_l=img.3...1031.1848.0.2157.6.6.0.0.0.0.0.0..0.0...0.0...1ac.1.4.img.mScjAWO3FFU

[Harley613]

Just a random comment; we should sell (or trade) that "Canada and the World Pavillion" on Sussex to another country. It has 0 potential for anything better.

With some landscaping it would make for an incredible house! They should give it to me, I'll fix er' up and live there!

[gjhall]

Stepping a little further East on the Globe, I'd like to see Kazakhstan build a standalone embassy here, because they LOVES them some crazy monumental architecture; can you imagine anything like any of these images from Astana on Sussex or Wellington in the Flats? https://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&authuser=0&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1680&bih=901&q=astana&oq=astana&gs_l=img.3...1031.1848.0.2157.6.6.0.0.0.0.0.0..0.0...0.0...1ac.1.4.img.mScjAWO3FFU

It's totally amazing for sure.

[Uhuniau]

Yes you are right. However, they could of relocated to some remote area.

Why?

[Uhuniau]

as opposed to Sussex Drive (what a dreadful area) or Centrtown, but that's just how it is.

Sussex Drive is dreadful because that's what the NCC and mid-century citizens wanted.

It used to be a street, with a street-wall of buildings. Now it's all butt-ugly trophy buildings, with those ample setbacks Ottawans love (LOOK AT ALL THE VIBRANT GREEN SPACE!) and six lanes of traffic.

This is what Ottawans love.

It's what they want.

It's what they got.

They can live with it.

[McC]

It's totally amazing for sure.

and awful and awe-full all at once! :)

[Boxster]

Why?

As mentionned earlier:

Only Middle East countries. They have too many prime spots in my opinion. They already own a good portion (and the best spots) along Sussex.

Would be better off making good use of the land.

[Luker]

1) Embassies within the NCR are mandated to be within the four 'Embassy districts" which currently exist. Rockcliffe, SandyHill/Rideau/Market, CBD, or Island Park.

2) I was unaware of the massive NCC blunder that is the former Canada and the World Pavillion. The entire storey as provided here: http://modernottawa.blogspot.ca/2012/03/someone-please-help-save-this-building.html makes me sick to my stomach.

Would be great to come up with an alternative use for such an underserved building, one whcih is in a very prominent and nationally signficant site.

Ugh :koko: :shrug:

[McC]

2) I was unaware of the massive NCC blunder that is the former Canada and the World Pavillion....Would be great to come up with an alternative use for such an underserved building, one whcih is in a very prominent and nationally signficant site.


I think we should be giving careful consideration to Harley613's selfless offer!

[waterloowarrior]

Funeral home parking lot may become much-needed park

http://www.centretownnews.ca/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3690&Itemid=127

Brian McGarry is moving forward with his proposal to turn the parking lot of his Centretown funeral home into a park.
In the face of rising property taxes and funeral home franchises taking over more Ottawa funeral homes McGarry is hoping to remain competitive by proposing the city buy a section of his property and turn it into a park.

[m3i6]

Just a random comment; we should sell (or trade) that "Canada and the World Pavillion" on Sussex to another country. It has 0 potential for anything better.

How about a Shoppers Drug Mart. That area of the City is lacking a Shoppers.

hehehe, beat you to it ProofSheet.

[bartlebooth]

Nouvelle Scene theatre on King Edward is planning an expansion http://www.ottawacitizen.com/life/Nouvelle+Sc%C3%A8ne+theatre+reconstruction+renovation+begin+after/8059079/story.html. Looks like they have hired Saucier and Perrotte Architectes out of Montreal. If this goes ahead as planned, it would be a great new addition to the area and bring what looks (from the elevations on the City of Ottawa's application page at least http://app01.ottawa.ca/postingplans/appDetails.jsf?lang=en&appId=__9IVB9M) like a nice piece of contemporary architecture to the city. That's something I don't find myself saying very often.

[J.OT13]

Nouvelle Scene theatre on King Edward is planning an expansion http://www.ottawacitizen.com/life/Nouvelle+Sc%C3%A8ne+theatre+reconstruction+renovation+begin+after/8059079/story.html. Looks like they have hired Saucier and Perrotte Architectes out of Montreal. If this goes ahead as planned, it would be a great new addition to the area and bring what looks (from the elevations on the City of Ottawa's application page at least http://app01.ottawa.ca/postingplans/appDetails.jsf?lang=en&appId=__9IVB9M) like a nice piece of contemporary architecture to the city. That's something I don't find myself saying very often.

I couldn't make out much of anything on DevApps, but Saucier and Perrotte Architectes seem to do decent work.

[Acajack]

Delusional, it will never be anything like the Byward market, that’s 186 years of unplanned history right there. And what does "luxury condos" mean? Seems nearly every project uses that expression. They should try to get as many affordable condos down there (<200 to 350). Right now, affordability is the only advantage for Gatineau, especially when you consider the high provincial tax rate.

They now have ads on STO buses urging people to come live in Gatineau's new Byward Market!

[kevinbottawa]

Apt613 just tweeted about this website with rooftop 360 shots of downtown Ottawa. It's pretty amazing. The photographer calls it "Project Rooftop - aka the Batman Tour of Ottawa". http://danneutel.com http://danneutel.com/?page_id=1457