NRCan Booth Street Complex Redevelopment | Approved

[rocketphish]

Redevelopment process set to begin on former NRCan Booth Street property

Don Butler, Ottawa Citizen
Published on: June 15, 2016 | Last Updated: June 15, 2016 6:57 PM EDT

http://wpmedia.ottawacitizen.com/2016/06/map-showing-the-property-to-be-redeveloped-by-the-canada-lan.jpeg?quality=55&strip=all

After years of planning that seemingly went nowhere, efforts to redevelop part of Natural Resources Canada‘s 10-hectare Booth Street complex should be under way within months.

Canada Lands Company, a Crown corporation that manages, redevelops or sells surplus federal properties, acquired a 2.6-hectare chunk of the Booth Street campus from NRCan last October.

The property, bounded by Booth, Orangeville, Norman and Rochester streets, was part of the NRCan complex, where about 3,000 departmental personnel work.

However, the property was declared surplus to NRCan’s needs in 2011 and the seven buildings on the site, some dating back to the 1930s, were vacant at the time of the transfer.

Canada Landsspokeswoman Manon Lapensée said Wednesday the Crown corporation is completing its analysis of the site and will “shortly” begin a public consultation process, similar to the one it conducted after acquiring the former CFB Rockcliffe.

Canada Lands held 195 meetings with residents, community organizations and neighbouring institutions to help smooth the way for Rockcliffe airbase project. Last year, city council approved a 20-year development plan for the property, which will eventually be home to 10,000 people.

Though some have suggested the Booth Street property could become Ottawa’s version of Toronto’s popular Distillery District, Lapensée said Canada Lands has not developed a proposal yet. “We want to hear what people have to say, and their thoughts and aspirations for the site.”

Canada Lands will also work closely with the City of Ottawa, which must approve any eventual plan.

Several of the buildings on the property are registered federal heritage buildings, complicating any potential plan to demolish them. (Or maybe not — the Sir John Carling Building on the Experimental Farm, which carried the same heritage designation, was demolished in 2014.)

Lapensée said Canada Lands will develop a heritage strategy for the property in consultation with the city. According to its website, the heritage strategy “will commemorate and celebrate the history of the site, while seeking to reserve and reintegrate some buildings, facades and/or elements where possible.

“The company believes that any new buildings and landscaping should reinforce the heritage character and assist in the historical interpretation of the site.”

There are also indications that more sections of the Booth Street complex could be made available for redevelopment.

A tender notice published earlier this month, dealing with the rehousing of NRCan’s National Geological Reference Collection at the Canadian Museum of Nature, stated that the Booth Street facilities “have been identified as obsolete and will soon be declared surplus.”

When questioned about that by the Citizen, however, departmental spokeswoman Angela Kokkinos said in an email no decision has been taken to declare the Booth Street facilities surplus. NRCan then revised the tender notice to delete the “surplus” reference.

“No decision has yet been made to sell the buildings that the department currently occupies,” Kokkinos added.

Plans to redevelop the Booth Street complex date back more than a decade.

Documents obtained by the Citizen in 2005 showed the government was planning to sell five buildings in the complex for redevelopment, including two buildings — 601 and 615 Booth Street — outside the property acquired by Canada Lands.

A detailed plan prepared by NRCan and Canada Lands in 2008 proposed a new “headquarters showcase” tower, the demolition of 615 Booth, construction of low-rise residential buildings around a central court and two new residential highrises.

In 2011, the Citizen reported that much of the Booth Street complex was in terrible condition and could soon be abandoned. According to internal documents, both 601 and 615 Booth were in “critical condition and require replacement.”

As well, a 2012 audit of real property mentioned plans to dispose of nine buildings in the Booth Street complex.

Earlier this year, some residents floated the idea of locating The Ottawa Hospital’s new Civic campus at the Booth Street site, though it is significantly smaller than the minimum 20 hectares the hospital says it requires.

dbutler@postmedia.com

twitter.com/ButlerDon

[rocketphish]

Canada Lands Company: Booth Street Complex (http://en.clc.ca/property/514)

[kevinbottawa]

I've been asking around about this redevelopment for a while now. Glad they're finally taking some steps forward. Even though, the Canada Lands Company seems to generally do a good job with their developments I fear that they won't get this one right. We'll see. Either way Booth will be anchored at both ends by industrial/heritage redevelopments with this and Zibi.

[little italian]

Any idea what this means realistically in terms of when shovels will be in the ground?

They make the comparison with rockcliffe aribase. I gather this took 3-4 years of consultations post transfer just to settle on a development plan. Should we expect the same? Or is the fact that this is a smaller parcel of land speed things up?

[OTSkyline]

Looking at that Google Map aerial view - it's so obvious that it would work so well as a "distillery district". The old brick buildings, the great location, that brick tower... Just convert the buildings to offices and hipster lofts, renovate some of those surface parking lots with cobblestone plazas and park-ettes, add a couple of glass condo towers around or attached to some of those existing lowrise brick buildings (turning the brick building as a podium), maybe a nice Loblaws, couple of shops, pubs, restaurants and maybe actual distilleries this could be a great area.

Especially with more towers and people moving to the Little Italy area, this could be a great addition to the neighborhood.

But alas, probably nothing for another 5-10 years. And when it does happen, it'll be half-assed :(

[rocketphish]

Any idea what this means realistically in terms of when shovels will be in the ground?

They make the comparison with rockcliffe aribase. I gather this took 3-4 years of consultations post transfer just to settle on a development plan. Should we expect the same? Or is the fact that this is a smaller parcel of land speed things up?

Depends how long the consultations with the Algonquins is going to drag it out.

[rocketphish]

Grocery store, affordable housing among ideas for Booth Street

By: Adam Kveton, Metro
Published on Thu Jan 26 2017

http://www.metronews.ca/content/dam/thestar/uploads/2017/1/25/booth-street-redevelopment.jpg.size.xxlarge.promo.jpg
This aerial photo shows the Booth Street site which the Canada Lands Company plans to redevelop.
The buildings in blue are designated heritage buildings by the federal government. The company held
its first public meeting on the redevelopment Tuesday.

Residents had their first chance Tuesday to put forward ideas for the redevelopment of a former government metallurgy lab site near Dow’s Lake.

The Canada Lands Company, an arms-length crown corporation that redevelops unneeded federal government land, held their first public consultation on Tuesday for the site, located on the west side of Booth Street between Norman and Orangeville streets.

The company’s purpose is to redevelop and re-integrate land into its surrounding neighbourhood while generating enough money to fund itself, said Jean Lachance, senior director of real estate in Ottawa for the company.

Some attendees of the public meeting expressed interest in seeing a grocery store at the site, affordable housing, open space, and the preservation of some of the federally-designated heritage buildings on the site, said Lachance.

Five of the seven buildings on the site were given heritage designation, however the future of those buildings is in the hands of the city and its own heritage designation process.

The buildings, part of a physical metallurgy lab, were a result of the need for new sources of energy, strategic minerals and gold during the Second World War, says the Canadian Register of historic places.

Next up for the redevelopment effort is the creation of an advisory working group made up of members from the community, said Lachance. The plan is to have two more public meetings before making a submission to the city in the late fall or early 2018.

http://www.metronews.ca/news/ottawa/2017/01/26/public-weighs-in-on-former-booth-street-ottawa-lab-.html

[citydwlr]

Canada Lands Company has a link to the slide-deck used at the consultation (http://en.clc.ca/files/Rue%20Booth%20Street%20Introductory%20Meeting%20PPT%20Jan%202017.pdf), as well as a survey (http://conta.cc/2kiWG2i) on their site. While the first few questions on the survey target those in attendance at the workshop, the last question is open for feedback.

Booth Street Overview (CLC Website): http://en.clc.ca/property/522

[rocketphish]

Canada Lands Company has a link to the slide-deck used at the consultation (http://en.clc.ca/files/Rue%20Booth%20Street%20Introductory%20Meeting%20PPT%20Jan%202017.pdf), as well as a survey (http://conta.cc/2kiWG2i) on their site. While the first few questions on the survey target those in attendance at the workshop, the last question is open for feedback.

Booth Street Overview (CLC Website): http://en.clc.ca/property/522

Here too:

http://www.rueboothstreet.ca

[MarkR]

Grocery store, affordable housing among ideas for Booth Street

By: Adam Kveton, Metro
Published on Thu Jan 26 2017

http://www.metronews.ca/content/dam/thestar/uploads/2017/1/25/booth-street-redevelopment.jpg.size.xxlarge.promo.jpg
This aerial photo shows the Booth Street site which the Canada Lands Company plans to redevelop.
The buildings in blue are designated heritage buildings by the federal government. The company held
its first public meeting on the redevelopment Tuesday.

(snip)

The buildings, part of a physical metallurgy lab, were a result of the need for new sources of energy, strategic minerals and gold during the Second World War, says the Canadian Register of historic places.

(snip)

http://www.metronews.ca/news/ottawa/2017/01/26/public-weighs-in-on-former-booth-street-ottawa-lab-.html

My Dad was one of the chief metallurgists there after the war until '52. The family (way before I was born) lived on Elm St. near Preston, and Dad walked to work. When I asked him about the place years ago he said if the rolling mill was still there he was the one that oversaw its installation, among other things. Funnily enough, one of my best pals had both a father and grandfather as metallurgists, and both worked in that same building, though his grandfather was before my dad and his dad was after.

I look forward to seeing how this area develops...

[citydwlr]

Email update on the Booth Street project:


Canada Lands Company is pleased to invite you to an open house regarding its Booth Street property.

The open house will include a short presentation of the preliminary concepts for the Booth Street property, followed by an informal opportunity to engage with Canada Lands Company staff.

The presentation will be shown twice, once at 5:30pm and again at 7:00pm. Light refreshments will be served. Thank you.

RSVP: info[at]rueboothstreet.ca

Date: May 31, 2017
Time: Doors open: 5:00pm / Presentations:
5:30pm and again at 7:00pm
Location: St. Anthony's Banquet Hall (523 St Anthony Street, Ottawa)

[citydwlr]

:previous: Wasn't able to attend the consultation last night, and haven't been able to locate any information about it, apart from this photo (via Twitter (https://twitter.com/mikebulthuis/status/870061605182111744)):

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DBMUaXHXcAAk1ju.jpg:medium

Did anyone attend? Were there other boards available?

[kevinbottawa]

:previous: Wasn't able to attend the consultation last night, and haven't been able to locate any information about it, apart from this photo (via Twitter (https://twitter.com/mikebulthuis/status/870061605182111744)):

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DBMUaXHXcAAk1ju.jpg:medium

Did anyone attend? Were there other boards available?

Here are the boards from last night. One of the boards, that I didn't take a picture of, made mention of a grocery store. One of the presenters also mentioned that people are divided on whether or not they should keep the smoke stack. A lot of people want it kept, including me, but there are other people saying the smoke stack has to go. All options have the smoke stack in tact.

Option 1 keeps the least amount of heritage buildings. Option 2 keeps the most heritage buildings. Option is a mix of the two. There is also a difference in where the green space is located. Personally, I think there's too much.


Option 1
http://i.imgur.com/rxnskUA.jpg

Option 2
http://i.imgur.com/TTL5eNu.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/AFvc05u.jpg

Option 3
http://i.imgur.com/4SemmJo.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/W9eWk0c.jpg

[Uhuniau]

Why do public bodies in this city have such a problem making these consultation materials available proactively?

[kwoldtimer]

This is trivial, but it has bothered me since post #10 that the smokestack was not part of the heritage side of the project. I see from the concept panels that the stack is still there, which is a very good thing, imo.

[citydwlr]

This is trivial, but it has bothered me since post #10 that the smokestack was not part of the heritage side of the project. I see from the concept panels that the stack is still there, which is a very good thing, imo.

Same here! When I filled out the survey, I suggested a few times that they keep it.

@kevinbottawa, thanks for posting those photos!

[eltodesukane]

http://i.imgur.com/SLSwttn.jpg

[kevinbottawa]

Same here! When I filled out the survey, I suggested a few times that they keep it.

@kevinbottawa, thanks for posting those photos!

No problem!

They had a board showing the interiors of the heritage buildings but I didn't even think to take a picture of it. I'm really impressed with how the insides of these buildings look. I thought they'd be more institutional but they're actually industrial looking.

[citydwlr]

Seems like they have released the PDFs (http://www.rueboothstreet.ca/node/224) now:

Presentation (http://www.rueboothstreet.ca/sites/default/files/downloads/Booth%20Street%20Open%20House%20-%20Presentation%20-%20EN%20-%20May31.pdf)

Information Boards (http://www.rueboothstreet.ca/sites/default/files/downloads/RueBoothSt%20-%20Bilingual%20Boards%20-%20May31.pdf)

Preliminary Concepts (http://www.rueboothstreet.ca/sites/default/files/downloads/RueBoothSt%20-%20Bilingual%20Concepts%20-%20May31.pdf)

[TMA-1]

You have no idea how nice it would be to have street names on all streets, painted in 12' high characters.



https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4243/35040158146_a0fce140f7_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/VonYeG)

nrcan doors open ottawa D827495 (https://flic.kr/p/VonYeG) by Chuck Clark (https://www.flickr.com/photos/23575605@N08/), on Flickr

[Harley613]

This is oh-so-awesome but it also makes me worried. The only successful part of Lansdowne off the playing field is the restaurant offering. Business in the Market has been down substantially since Lansdowne opened...it seems the locals are leaving the Market for the tourists and students and they are either visiting Lansdowne or all the new neighbourhood offerings. I don't know if Ottawa can support another district of bars/restaurants/cafes any time soon.

[Multi-modal]

I don't know if Ottawa can support another district of bars/restaurants/cafes any time soon.

I get the feeling this will be more residential and less bars/restaurants/cafes. The only specific commercial business they mention is a grocery store. Also a "indoor market" and an "outdoor market", but those are just planning gobilty-gook buzz words and aren't really indicative of the product. I think you can expect more of a retail/residential mix akin to St. Charles Church and less Landsdowne.

[Arcologist]

Great pic TMA-1, thanks!

[kevinbottawa]

I get the feeling this will be more residential and less bars/restaurants/cafes. The only specific commercial business they mention is a grocery store. Also a "indoor market" and an "outdoor market", but those are just planning gobilty-gook buzz words and aren't really indicative of the product. I think you can expect more of a retail/residential mix akin to St. Charles Church and less Landsdowne.

I asked one of the reps whether they'll be other kinds of retail on site since they only mentioned a grocery store. She said they yes but they only noted the grocery store because every meeting that's what people keep mentioning.

[DubberDom]

http://i.imgur.com/SLSwttn.jpg

Unrelated observation .... why is the Queensway also referred to as the King's Highway on the map above??

I can think of some reasons... but probably not proper to be posted here :haha:

[acottawa]

Unrelated observation .... why is the Queensway also referred to as the King's Highway on the map above??

I can think of some reasons... but probably not proper to be posted here :haha:

Most provincial highways in Ontario (the ones with the crown on the sign) are King's Highways.

[J.OT13]

This is oh-so-awesome but it also makes me worried. The only successful part of Lansdowne off the playing field is the restaurant offering. Business in the Market has been down substantially since Lansdowne opened...it seems the locals are leaving the Market for the tourists and students and they are either visiting Lansdowne or all the new neighbourhood offerings. I don't know if Ottawa can support another district of bars/restaurants/cafes any time soon.

I'm more worried about the effects of Zibi and LeBreton. Even if the Booth Complex does end up like a mini distillery district, it will still be significantly smaller (retail/restaurant/entertainment wise) than Lansdowne.

[kevinbottawa]

From Eric Dawrwin's latest article:

CLC tells us they aren’t going to just plan, rezone, and sell off the block, but intend to oversee and build out the site by itself in its entirety. This means the plan, when approved by all levels of government, shouldn’t be subject to repeated trips to the rezoning-trough by developers seeking ever-more development privileges.

I actually don't mind this. I feel like CLC will do the site justice when it comes to preserving the heritage elements and securing tenants that'll make it a unique space.

http://www.westsideaction.com/west-side-transportation-cornucopia-part-iii-nrcan/

[rocketphish]

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4656/39371299644_34655edc2a_b.jpg

from: The Ottawa Citizen, Friday, February 2, 2018

[kevinbottawa]

Finally. I was waiting for the next session. This was supposed be last fall. I hope the preferred design includes keeping the smoke stack.

[rocketphish]

Residents compile wish list for Booth Street site
Canada Lands Company developing plan for 2.5 hectares just north of Dow's Lake

CBC News
Posted: Jan 25, 2017 6:38 AM ET Last Updated: Jan 25, 2017 10:29 AM ET

https://i.cbc.ca/1.3951135.1485343946!/fileImage/httpImage/image.JPG_gen/derivatives/16x9_620/booth-street-campus-redevelopment-plan-project-canada-lands-jan-2017.JPG

More than 100 people turned out Tuesday night for the first in a series of public consultations about the future of the former Booth Street campus of Natural Resources Canada.

After giving a brief presentation, officials from Canada Lands Company — the Crown corporation developing a plan for the 2.5 hectares just north of Dow's Lake — invited residents to share ideas about what they'd like to see in the future community.

Early feedback via sticky notes tacked onto a large photo of property call for a grocery store, small businesses, affordable housing, green space, art and culture hub, and family-size homes with three bedrooms.

In October 2015, Canada Lands acquired the large city block bordered by Booth, Norman, Rochester and Orangeville streets, and includes five brick structures recognized as federal heritage buildings.

While the city and the Crown corporation try to re-use heritage buildings, there's no guarantee all five will be incorporated into a new plan that will likely be a combination of homes and businesses.

"We're just at the beginning of the process," said Rodger Martin, Canada Lands' vice-president of real estate in Ontario. "Before we even know what the uses might be, we can't say what uses the buildings might have."

The next major public meetings will be in the early summer, when a concept plan will be presented for feedback from residents, and another in the fall to show us the draft "preferred plan."

But officials said Canada Lands will have additional public sessions — or more smaller sessions — if there's enough demand for them.

The process will eventually end in a formal rezoning application to the city by the end of the year.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/booth-campus-nrcan-meeting-future-plannig-1.3951126

[rocketphish]

Former Natural Resources HQ on Booth Street would get towers, park
Smokestack and heritage facades would stay in plan for 2.5 hectare site near Dow's Lake

CBC
Posted: Feb 16, 2018 7:37 AM ET Last Updated: Feb 16, 2018 7:37 AM ET

https://i.cbc.ca/1.4538322.1518756561!/fileImage/httpImage/image.JPG_gen/derivatives/16x9_620/booth-street-redevelopment.JPG

The company redeveloping the former campus of Natural Resources Canada on Booth Street is planning half a dozen highrise towers, but says it will maintain the heritage feel of the area and iconic smokestack.

Canada Lands Company, the Crown corporation developing a plan for the 2.5 hectares just north of Dow's Lake, gave residents a look at their preferred design concept for the area Thursday night.

The revamped design incorporates feedback received from last month's public information session.

The company purchased the land for $12.4 million in October 2015.

The site is bordered by Booth, Norman, Rochester and Orangeville streets.

It includes five brick structures recognized as federal heritage buildings and has been sitting empty for years.

https://i.cbc.ca/1.4538342.1518783643!/fileImage/httpImage/image.JPG_gen/derivatives/original_620/booth-street-redevelopment.JPG

The design concept shows roughly half a dozen mixed-use highrise towers with retail space below.

It maintains the smokestack and heritage facades and adds pedestrian walkways throughout the complex.

A park would sit on its southwest edge.

"There's always a gap between the sizzle and the steak, between the nice pictures the architects draw and what actually gets built on the ground," said Eric Darwin with the Dalhousie Community Association.

"When architects get going on these things they draw lots and lots of trees and lots of green space, but once it actually gets built it might be cluttered with cars."

https://i.cbc.ca/1.4538333.1518756768!/fileImage/httpImage/image.JPG_gen/derivatives/original_620/booth-street-site-redevelopment.JPG

Early feedback from residents called for a grocery store, small businesses, affordable housing, an art and culture hub and family-size homes with three bedrooms.

There was also a call to maintain the area's heritage look and add much more green space.

"Heritage conservation, connectivity and open space. This is one neighbourhood within the City of Ottawa that has high population and low representation in terms of active planned and modern park space. This is what we'll bring to the site," said Mary Jarvis of the Canada Lands Company.

Many longtime residents of Little Italy maintained a tempered sense of optimism.

They said they worried about the parking and traffic congestion the development might bring.

"I like where it is and what they're doing but the fact that it's stuck there, how is it going to fit in with everything else?" said resident Fraser Knox.

"That's my biggest concern. I don't want it to become like Lansdowne [Park] in terms of the big corporate restaurants, the big corporate stores. I don't think that's where it needs to be."

"The big-box stores … may be the only ones who can afford the kind of rent that they'll be charging in those brand new buildings," said Peggy Knox.

https://i.cbc.ca/1.4538336.1518783720!/fileImage/httpImage/image.JPG_gen/derivatives/original_620/booth-street-redevelopment.JPG

The councillor for the area said she would be keeping concerns about maintaining affordability in the neighbourhood at the forefront when the design concept goes to the city.

"There's always that risk that a development doesn't properly integrate," said Coun. Catherine McKenny.

"I look at this and the process has been great. I think this is one of our best chances of really getting it right." .

A formal rezoning application is expected to go to the city by late March.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/booth-street-ottawa-design-plans-1.4538267

[Arcologist]

Here's the story in the Citizen (sorry, I don't know how to post it all flashy like Rocketphish):

http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/proposed-redevelopment-of-booth-complex-keeps-smoke-stack-adds-towers

[Arcologist]

I'm actually quite pleased with the proposed *tentative* site plan, and though I don't feel there's a need for a park on the southwest corner, given the site's proximity to all the parkland around Dow's Lake, I understand why it's there -- to help frame the smokestack.

If the greenspace remains, it would be a good location for a playground, as I don't think there are any in the immediate vicinity?

[phil235]

I'm actually quite pleased with the proposed *tentative* site plan, and though I don't feel there's a need for a park on the southwest corner, given the site's proximity to all the parkland around Dow's Lake, I understand why it's there -- to help frame the smokestack.

If the greenspace remains, it would be a good location for a playground, as I don't think there are any in the immediate vicinity?

There's a tiny one over on Bell, but the neighbourhood definitely needs a better playground/kids park.

[McC]

Agreed, telling people to cross 6-8 lanes of Carling Ave to get to the nearest park (an un-animated park at that) isn't the best way to attract families/etc. to live there.

[OTSkyline]

I like the small park, the smokeshack and I do hope the entire parcel keeps a lot of brick and that sort of older distillery district vibe going.

I did LOL at the resident's wish list of "family sized homes with 3 bedrooms". Sure, let's scrap this prime central lot and fill it with 3 story homes on lots "AVALON CENTRE by MINTO" :yuck:

[Multi-modal]

I like the small park, the smokeshack and I do hope the entire parcel keeps a lot of brick and that sort of older distillery district vibe going.

I did LOL at the resident's wish list of "family sized homes with 3 bedrooms". Sure, let's scrap this prime central lot and fill it with 3 story homes on lots "AVALON CENTRE by MINTO" :yuck:

Or they could just mean that they hope the apartments in the condos / rentals have a healthy amount of 3 bedroom units, so that the development is friendly for urban families with multiple children.

[roger1818]

I did LOL at the resident's wish list of "family sized homes with 3 bedrooms". Sure, let's scrap this prime central lot and fill it with 3 story homes on lots "AVALON CENTRE by MINTO" :yuck:

My interpretation was affordable, 3 bedroom, family apartments rather than spacious, luxury, studio apartments.

[Marcus CLS]

Call me crazy but I can't help thinking the 3 story building at the NE. Quad which is slated to be saved in the concept plan should be converted into a House of Blues after Ottawa's own son Dan Aykroyd.

That is my idea of "experiential retail" and I like Blues.

[rocketphish]

Here's the story in the Citizen (sorry, I don't know how to post it all flashy like Rocketphish):

http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/proposed-redevelopment-of-booth-complex-keeps-smoke-stack-adds-towers

:)


Proposed scheme for Booth complex keeps smoke stack, mixes heritage and contemporary

Jon Willing, Ottawa Citizen
Published on: February 16, 2018 | Last Updated: February 16, 2018 11:59 AM EST

https://postmediaottawacitizen2.files.wordpress.com/2018/02/booth_rendering_feb2018_1-jpg.jpg&w=800

The “iconic” brick smoke stack that rises above an old federal complex on Booth Street would remain as part of a proposed redevelopment scheme that retains most of the historic buildings in a new mixed-use community.

Canada Lands Company (CLC), the federal Crown real estate agency, has released the preferred concept of the 6.5-acre block of land that formed part of the National Resources Canada complex, just south of the Queensway.

The vision includes two new 24-floor buildings at the tallest points, a park at Norman and Rochester streets and an emphasis on giving the heritage features prominence in the redevelopment.

Planners on the project are already hearing comparisons to the Distillery District in Toronto or Gastown in Vancouver.

“I think the inspiration we’re going for here is an opportunity to tell a heritage story of the site but also telling a future story, which is 21st century urban living,” according to Craig Sklenar, a senior urban designer with Stantec Urban Places, the firm hired to help develop the concept.

“That lifestyle is connected, it’s activated on the ground plane, it provides those who live and work in the area with all the amenities that they would need at their doorstep. This design allows for those types of services to be within a contained block or nearby.”

Sklenar said there’s a “juxtaposition” of the new parts of the development with the heritage buildings.

“We want to ensure that we’re pushing new building design in such a way that it lets the heritage buildings be in the foreground instead of the background,” he said. “Little things, like pushing the towers as far north on the site so the larger heritage areas are preserved or they’re framed by public spaces, or there are small greens created around the heritage-only buildings so they have this more campus-like feel to it.”

http://wpmedia.ottawacitizen.com/2018/02/booth_rendering_feb2018_2-jpg.jpg?w=800&quality=55&strip=all

Sklenar understands the comparisons with other dynamic communities that blend heritage buildings with new development.

“I think this has a totally different character in the sense that, it’s going to have the same urban qualities of brick buildings with brand new buildings next to it and that vibrancy that we’re looking for, but this is really integrated into a residential neighbourhood. It’s not really connected to downtown. It’s part of this larger node that’s being created in the Preston-Carling area,” Sklenar said.

There is one million square feet of new development proposed in the scheme. There are no estimates on how many people will live in condos or apartments, since it will be up to the future developer to determine the distribution of uses across the mixed-use site.

Public feedback on preliminary concepts informed the preferred design, which will need city hall planning approvals. Residents can still provide comments during the municipal approval process.

Sklenar said residents have been interested in the connectivity of the site between the communities and heritage preservation.

“A lot of people see that smoke stack as something that’s iconic to the neighbourhood and they really wanted to ensure it’s preserved or accentuated in a way to provide that sense of place that’s not anywhere else in the city,” he said.

On the other hand, whoever develops the site will have to maintain the decommissioned smoke stack, which will likely be protected by a heritage order.

Mary Jarvis, the director of real estate for CLC, said the organization wants to submit planning applications to the city by the end of March. The agency’s goal is to have the municipal approvals locked in by March 2019 before remediation work begins on the property.

The proposed development concept will also be reviewed by the city’s urban design review panel.

Jarvis said CLC believes the site concept is in line with the planning policy objectives of the city.

CLC plans to market and sell the land starting in March 2020 through to 2021.

jwilling@postmedia.com
twitter.com/JonathanWilling

http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/proposed-redevelopment-of-booth-complex-keeps-smoke-stack-adds-towers

[Vixx]

I really am liking the vision of this project. Hopefully the timeline isn't pushed back and everything's stay's the course.

This could be one of the more underrated projects in the city, assuming it turns out as expected.

[J.OT13]

I'm a big fan of this project. Glad to see nearly all the buildings will be preserved. The only issue, once again, is that the Trillium line will not have the capacity to handle this much volume, even after wasting $600 million (on top of the $90 million wasted a few years ago).

With Lebreton Flats and the Trinity project at Bayview, social housing at Gladstone, the new Civic, thousands of new housing units (condos, student residences, apartments) proposed and under construction at Carling, Carleton University... It dosen't add up.

I'm hoping for a mayoral candidate that runs on, and this will be controversial considering what happened in 2006, canceling the Trillium line aspect of Stage 2. First thing's first, we need to double track, if not also electrify, the current Trillium (and add Gladstone and Walkley stations).

[kevinbottawa]

The second rendering in that article reminds me a bit of Yorkville in Toronto.

[jt-mtl]

Let's hope the NIMBYs dont kill this project, amazing opportunity

[AuxTown]

Luckily, it's not really in anyone's backyard

[Uhuniau]

Luckily, it's not really in anyone's backyard

It's next to the Glebe and Dow's Lake, so it's basically the Glebe's 9-11.

[phil235]

It's next to the Glebe and Dow's Lake, so it's basically the Glebe's 9-11.

I have yet to hear anyone in the Glebe express the slightest concern over this project.

[rocketphish]

Ottawa’s Distillery District? CLC unveils Booth Street redevelopment vision

By: Kieran Delamont, OBJ contributor
Published: Feb 16, 2018 1:56pm EST

http://www.obj.ca/sites/default/files/styles/article_main/public/2018-02/IMG_20180215_190933.jpg?itok=91FS8H5O

Architects and planners presented updated designs for a formerly industrial parcel of land along Booth Street at a public consultation on Thursday night, showing off a plan that aims to bring a heritage conservation aesthetic that has succeeded in Toronto’s Distillery District and Vancouver’s Gastown neighbourhoods.

The plan, which will see four mixed-use towers of between 18 and 24 storeys jutting out of the facades of the former Natural Resources Canada complex, with parks and public spaces existing throughout the nearly 6.5-acre block located south of Highway 417, between Booth and Rochester streets.

It is an ambitious project, and one that would see the space transformed from a dated complex of industrial-style government labs into one that prioritizes walkability, public space and modern urban design principles.

A representative for the Canada Lands Co. – a Crown corporation that disposes of surplus federal property – said the proposal outlined “an engaging place to live, work and play.

“To do that, we are looking at lively streets, public spaces, mixed uses. We want the space to really be celebrated as a winter place and a place for all four seasons.”

The facades of many existing buildings will be preserved, although Mary Jarvis, CLC’s real estate director, said “extensive remediation” to remove asbestos and other remnants of industrial use is required.

Both CLC and engineering firm Stantec have consulted the public on the plans and say they plan to incorporate many of the requests for components such as a grocery store, more public space and towers that are set back from the street.

Judging by the reception at the public meeting on Thursday, that’s helped mitigate the common concerns frequently raised at development consultations – namely, that the towers will be too high.

Jarvis said they’ve “moderated” the height and was quick to point out that the towers will not be the tallest in the area, since Sakto Corp. is planning a new 25-storey building at Preston Square. The redeveloped Booth Street complex would, however, feature four of the surrounding area’s five tallest towers.

Stantec urban designer Craig Sklenar said he hopes the project’s industrial-chic aesthetic would help bring more “creative class offices” to the area and that the shops would be filled with “experiential retail” – restaurants, coffee shops and smaller boutiques.

Somerset Coun. Catherine McKenney, whose ward includes Booth Street, suggested the redevelopment plan would stand in contrast to elements of Lansdowne Park, which features several big-box retailers.

Heritage conservation and repurposing of industrial properties have proven successful in Toronto and Vancouver, where high-end retail outlets and restaurants have moved in.

Programming, says McKenney, will be key to making the project a success. Toronto’s Distillery District, for example, benefited from a Christmas Market, with its Dickensian charms and $9 mulled wine.

While those involved with the project don’t want to make that comparison openly, pictures of both districts (as well as other heritage districts throughout the United States) were included in the posters on display.

The exact site plan for the project – including how much will be office space and whether there will be residential units on the site – has not yet been decided, and will take place after city council considers the application for rezoning of the area.

http://www.obj.ca/article/ottawas-distillery-district-clc-unveils-booth-street-redevelopment-vision

[J.OT13]

Nothing major but...

PROPOSAL FOR BOOTH STREET COMPLEX SEEKS REMOVAL OF HEIGHT LIMITS, INTERIOR SETBACKS

Ottawa Citizen
Matthew Pearson
July 20, 2018

https://heritageottawa.org/sites/default/files/styles/660px_wide_x_auto/public/booth_rendering_feb2018_3-jpg.jpg?itok=3yQ5ipB2

In order to capitalize on its plan to redevelop an old federal complex on Booth Street, Canada Lands Company is asking the city to remove height limits and rezone the Little Italy site so future developers won’t have to worry about how close the buildings can be to each other.

The request is outlined in official plan and zoning amendments submitted to the city for consideration by the built-heritage and planning committees this fall.

Acquired by CLC from Natural Resources Canada in 2015, the 2.6-hectare site is located immediately south of Highway 417. Orangeville, Booth, Norman and Rochester streets border it.

The federal government used labs at the Booth complex to research, test and develop fuels, minerals and metals to support industrial growth and innovation in geology, metallurgy and ceramics. The buildings are currently unoccupied and there are approximately 250 surface parking spaces on the site.

The proposed redevelopment would conserve five heritage buildings designed by noted Ottawa architect W. E. Noffke, as well as an iconic brick smoke stack, and add 10 new structures, some as tall as 24 storeys. In addition to housing, there would be retail and office space and a new park at Norman and Rochester streets.

According to a planning rationale report produced by Stantec Consulting and ERA Architecture, CLC wants the entire Booth complex considered as one lot for zoning purposes so there would be no side or rear-yard setbacks within the block.

CLC also wants the site exempted from maximum building heights for areas close to low-rise residential zones. The current rules would allow for an 18-storey building on the east side of Rochester between Beech and Norman streets, but CLC’s plan proposes a 24-storey building in that location.

Development is not permitted above the current grade at the intersection of Rochester and Orangeville streets, so the plan also requires approval from the provincial Ministry of Transportation, which is responsible for the adjacent Highway 417.

Several key principles have guided the plan, according to the planning-rationale report, namely that the overall transformation of the Booth district should result in a “vibrant and appealing hub for the community with a distinct sense of place that is unique to the Ottawa region.”

It should aim to maintain its campus feel and feature mid-block pedestrian and cycling connections, with minimal vehicular access. All public streets, open spaces and mid-block connections should be animated, vibrant and inviting places, the report says.

If its vision is achieved, CLC says the Booth district could be a “world-class example of how to develop heritage sites to have a second life as a new place for people to live, work and recreate.”

Buildings slated for demolition have been selected to accommodate new development and create new circulation routes and public realm amenities, the report says. Podiums of new buildings will be consistent in massing and height to adjacent heritage buildings.

CLC hopes to have municipal approvals locked in by March 2019 before remediation work begins on the property. It plans to market and sell the land starting in March 2020.
https://heritageottawa.org/news/proposal-booth-street-complex-seeks-removal-height-limits-interior-setbacks

[J.OT13]

New towers, preservation of heritage buildings, planned for Booth Street

OBJ
Peter Kovessy
July 30, 2018

http://obj.ca/sites/default/files/styles/article_main/public/2018-07/p.71.jpg?itok=BqODJb29

Developers expected to have opportunity to bid on land parcels as early as 2020

The federal custodian of a disused laboratory complex in central Ottawa plans to rezone the property to permit a handful of new towers, rising up to 24 storeys, in advance of selling the land to private developers.

The 6.5-acre Booth Street campus on the edge of Little Italy is located just south of the Queensway, east of Rochester Street. Once home to the Mines and Resources Branch of Natural Resources Canada, parts of the complex have been vacant for nearly two decades.

A cluster of the existing heritage buildings – as well as the property’s landmark smokestack – are proposed to be preserved and restored. Meanwhile, a new public garden, square and park are slated to replace large portions of the asphalt parking lots that currently run through the property.

The vision is to create a new mixed-use community that connects the Glebe Annex with Little Italy and is animated around the clock.
“I see people on this site 24 hours a day,” says Marie Jarvis, the real estate director for the National Capital Region at the Canada Lands Co., which owns the site. Once fully redeveloped, Jarvis says she envisions a range of uses: “People living there, working there, coming for dinner (and) coming for breakfast.”

Private developers are anticipated to ultimately purchase the property and construct the new buildings in what is quickly becoming one of Ottawa’s hottest central neighbourhoods.

http://obj.ca/sites/default/files/inline-images/p.65_0.jpg

Homebuilder Claridge is constructing a 45-storey condo tower at the corner of Preston Street and Carling Avenue, and a new luxury rental tower is being built on Rochester Street. Additionally, the Booth Street complex is less than 500 metres from the Carling O-Train station on the Trillium Line, which the city is preparing to expand in the coming years.

Environmental clean-up required

The Canada Lands Co. is a federal Crown corporation that’s responsible for selling surplus government properties to maximize both the community value of the land as well as the financial return to taxpayers. Locally, its recent projects include the former Rockcliffe Airbase and a 10.4-acre property at 800 Montreal Road, across from the Montfort Hospital.

After several months of public consultations, CLC recently filed a rezoning request with the city to allow for the taller buildings, in addition to removing setback requirements.

Jarvis says she’s hopeful that the rezoning will be approved by spring 2019. CLC will then commission an extensive environmental remediation of the property, which is polluted from years of industrial use.

Jarvis says the cost of cleaning up the property has not yet been determined.

One remediated, the property will be sold off in parcels to private developers, likely between 2020 and 2022, Jarvis says.

How each of the new and restored buildings will be used – be it residential units, office space or retail shops – has not been defined at this stage.

Jarvis says the number of heritage buildings and features being preserved as part of the Booth Street redevelopment makes the project unique for Ottawa. She adds that she hopes it will spur additional developments in the surrounding area.

“(We want it to) be a catalyst and (make) a positive contribution to the redevelopment of the Glebe Annex and Preston East corridor,” she says.

Projected timeline

Spring 2019: Rezoning approved

2019-2020: Environmental remediation

2020-2022: Marketing and sale of properties to private developers
http://obj.ca/article/new-towers-preservation-heritage-buildings-planned-booth-street

[Davis137]

I agree...refurbish the buildings so that they remain mostly intact, convert some to Condo's/Apartments, and the others into Distillery's, pubs, shops, etc. This has been done with similar properties in places like Edinburgh...

[J.OT13]

Project discussed by Heritage Sub-Committee today. Webcast only 53 minutes.

KrHjGMMsiaE

I was not able to find a webcast of the Library Board meeting from last week. Would have been interesting to watch for Donald Schmitt's presentation.

EDIT: I've been listening to the Booth Street complex presentation and the video doesn't show the slides, which is quite maddening. Here's an image posted on CBC that shows the identification of each building as presented during the committee meeting.

https://i.cbc.ca/1.5002362.1549045635!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/original_780/era-architects.jpg
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/heritage-designation-booth-complex-1.5002257

and from Jon Willing's Twitter, the buildings identified for heritage retention;

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DzIedsCXcAEAAoz.jpg
https://twitter.com/JonathanWilling/status/1094971242862399488

[J.OT13]

And site plan post re-development.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DzIfyqSXQAMh4OC.jpg
https://twitter.com/JonathanWilling/status/1094972627360206848

[rocketphish]

Subcommittee likes heritage protection plan for major redevelopment of Booth Street complex

Jon Willing, Ottawa Citizen
Updated: February 11, 2019

https://postmediaottawacitizen2.files.wordpress.com/2018/02/booth_rendering_feb2018_3-jpg.jpg?quality=80&strip=all&w=800

Canada Lands Company must be doing something right when it comes to redeveloping a major federal property near Ottawa’s downtown.

The heritage protection plan for the former Natural Resources Canada complex on Booth Street received unanimous support from the city’s built-heritage subcommittee on Monday as the federal Crown corporation moves closer to accepting development proposals from the private sector.

CLC has been working on a vision for the 6.5-acre block in Little Italy, bounded by Rochester, Orangeville, Booth and Norman streets. The agency has been consulting the community and city hall and is now ready to finalize the land-use approvals before decontaminating buildings, demolishing the unwanted structures and turning the land over to the private sector to build its vision.

The built-heritage subcommittee heard the city is recommending heritage protection for most of the complex because of its historical significance as a major federal research facility and one that was crucial in the development of the Canadian mining and energy industries. CLC has worked with the city to sort out the heritage protection.

The first laboratory building on the site was constructed in 1909 and the research campus grew through to the 1950s, all largely under the supervision of local architect W.E. Noffke. It was an active federal research site until the early 2000s.

The central heating plant, which has a 39-metre-tall brick smokestack, is part of the recommended heritage protection. The smokestack is a neighbourhood landmark.

The areas of the complex set for demolition include the physical metallurgy research laboratories on the southern part of the site and the T-shaped mechanical shops and stores building in the middle of the site.

CLC’s development plan calls for five new high-rise buildings and it earmarks portions of the site for parks.

The project is already drawing comparisons to Toronto’s Distillery District since it will showcase Ottawa’s architectural history in a modern mixed-use community.

The strongest indication of the existing community’s support might have been its absence during the public delegation part of the subcommittee meeting. No resident raised a concern with the city’s heritage watchdogs, although the zoning and official plan applications go to planning committee later this month.

CLC has had a significant public consultation program on the project. The agency held three public open houses and two meetings of a public advisory committee.

City heritage staff lauded the consultation process by CLC, and so did Somerset Coun. Catherine McKenney, who mused about putting the agency on the LeBreton Flats redevelopment.

While McKenney said she’s recommended that the agency work on the LeBreton Flats project, which is being led by the National Capital Commission, CLC has indicated it has no involvement in the development process.

jwilling@postmedia.com
twitter.com/JonathanWilling

https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/subcommittee-likes-heritage-protection-plan-for-major-redevelopment-of-booth-street-complex

[ServiceGuy]

I really hope this project gets built one day. It has the potential to be something Ottawa doesn't already have and would also greatly expand the Preston "pretzel" of commerce. If you look at the area you have Preston which is mostly sit down type restaurants, Somerset which is called China Town, Gladestone which is pizza and corner stores but none of it expands into a full neighborhood vib. Yes, there are many small businesses off on the side streets but you have to go looking for them to know they are there. A project like this would be great at filling out the grid as a place to frequent and especially with it's proximity to Dow's Lake. Needs to be done right. Needs to be done unique. But great potential IMO and yes... save the smoke stack.

[Jamaican-Phoenix]

I really like the preliminary ideas.

[waterloowarrior]

Endorsed at Planning Committee

@KatePorterCBC
https://twitter.com/KatePorterCBC/status/1101144499332374528
#OttCity planning committee has also approved the @canadalands re-zoning for the Booth complex. @BarrhavenJan noted no one came out to oppose it, and commended staff and Canada Lands for doing great consultation with the Preston, Dow's Lake, Glebe Annex area. #ottnews

[Lakeofthewood]

Good to hear this project is getting across the board support. Most exciting project in Ottawa in my opinion, as I don't think we have anything like this in the city today.

[Davis137]

This will be almost more exciting than the Trinity at Bayview project (if that actually moves forward still).

With a cluster of tall buildings like these in that area, Little Italy will be Ottawa's 2nd Downtown type precinct. It is already starting to look that way with the current crop of high rises that have been built near the Carling O-Train and Dows lake...

[J.OT13]

Good to hear this project is getting across the board support. Most exciting project in Ottawa in my opinion, as I don't think we have anything like this in the city today.

One could argue Zibi...

[Lakeofthewood]

One could argue Zibi...

Not gonna disagree with you there! I guess since I've been to the Distillery District I can picture what this will look like, as opposed to Zibi I've never been anywhere that resembles it, so I don't have much to go on. That's not to say that I'm not excited for both!

[Jamaican-Phoenix]

One thing that I hope doesn't get lost in this development is that this should feel like an extension of Little Italy.

[ServiceGuy]

It can go really well or really badly but the level of consultation has been tremendous. High hopes for this project at making a difference.

[JHikka]

Fascinating project with tons of potential. Here's hoping for the best.

[kevinbottawa]

One thing that I hope doesn't get lost in this development is that this should feel like an extension of Little Italy.

What do you have in mind? Italian retailers?

[Jamaican-Phoenix]

What do you have in mind? Italian retailers?

I mean, sure, have some Italian stores and restaurants, but I also mean to remember that this started out as a working class neighbourhood.

Perhaps a grocery store/chain that specializes in Italian and Mediterranean goods? Community space for preserving and educating people about Italian-Canadian history, culture, and traditions? Even a small museum about the history of the Italian-Canadian community in Ottawa or the nation as a whole? Affordable housing should be a part of this. Have space for small businesses and start-ups, especially for things such as microbreweries or another roastery like we have at the north end of Preston.

No, not everything should be more Italian than the Italians, but there should be some nods and spaces to help expand what we think of as Little Italy, and not just a new trendy area adjacent to it.

[Marcus CLS]

Remediation and demolition is to start this fall. Parking passes were cancelled for quite a number of NRCan employees as of August 31st.

[Marcus CLS]

Perimeter Fencing has been installed and 2 mobile trailers set up at the South West parking lot. Remediation and partial demolition should start soon.

[Harley613]

Perimeter Fencing has been installed and 2 mobile trailers set up at the South West parking lot. Remediation and partial demolition should start soon.

I saw that yesterday and wondered if it was new. I would LOVE to see this project in a few years.

[Marcus CLS]

Somewhat unrelated to this project but core samples were taken in approx. 7 locations on the front lawn of 615 Booth Street today. This is the lawn fronting on Carling at Booth.

[YOWetal]

This is oh-so-awesome but it also makes me worried. The only successful part of Lansdowne off the playing field is the restaurant offering. Business in the Market has been down substantially since Lansdowne opened...it seems the locals are leaving the Market for the tourists and students and they are either visiting Lansdowne or all the new neighbourhood offerings. I don't know if Ottawa can support another district of bars/restaurants/cafes any time soon.

Agree and have heard the same thing. But in an open market it should equalize it just takes some time. They will need to lower rents which allows prices to be lowered a little bit. The market has gone downhill in every way over past 5-10 years. It might need some less premium offerings. There are several of those always closing locations in the market eventually they should lower the rent and let a cheaper place move in.

Zibi will also be a new destination eventually. All will be a lot safer with better parking than the Market. The LRT should bring in the after work crowd to the Market for those taking it anway.

[J.OT13]

CLC | SIC
@canadalands


We are planning the future Norman Street Park within the Booth Street Complex in #Ottawa. Come to our public meeting on March 10 from 6-8pm at Sala San Marco on 215 Preston Street to share your ideas. #OTTcity
https://bit.ly/2VCh0kk

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ESIP1KbXkAE0oqu?format=png&name=small
https://twitter.com/canadalands/status/1234566656334102529

[Harley613]

https://twitter.com/canadalands/status/1234566656334102529

I just noticed on the map on that link that the smokestack is not part of a heritage designated building. I REALLY HOPE it is retained as it really adds to the industrial aesthetic in my opinion.

[J.OT13]

I just noticed on the map on that link that the smokestack is not part of a heritage designated building. I REALLY HOPE it is retained as it really adds to the industrial aesthetic in my opinion.

That's the plan so far. It's too bad there are none left at the Zibi site.

[kevinbottawa]

Here are a few images from the public meeting documents. Smoke stack is still there. The park looks good. Something for both families and youth.

https://i.imgur.com/Xp1OyUL.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/SFlDxyA.jpg

[RogueNacho]

Very excited to see this area transform into a mini "distillery district". With the Trillium Line upgrades set to be done in a couple years, this area could turn into quite the bustling neighbourhood. I assume the old historical buildings remaining on-site are to be retrofitted for commercial/restaurant/retail uses?

Any indication on when we can expect to see shovels in the ground?

[kevinbottawa]

Very excited to see this area transform into a mini "distillery district". With the Trillium Line upgrades set to be done in a couple years, this area could turn into quite the bustling neighbourhood. I assume the old historical buildings remaining on-site are to be retrofitted for commercial/restaurant/retail uses?

Any indication on when we can expect to see shovels in the ground?

Construction of the park supposed to happen in summer 2021 according to the public meeting document. Deconstruction of the buildings that won't be retained is supposed to be done in November 2020 according to the Canada Lands website. Not sure when construction will start.

[Marcus CLS]

Construction of the park supposed to happen in summer 2021 according to the public meeting document. Deconstruction of the buildings that won't be retained is supposed to be done in November 2022 according to the Canada Lands website. Not sure when construction will start.

The existing building west of and opposite Aberdeen street is almost completely demolished.

[kevinbottawa]

The existing building west of and opposite Aberdeen street is almost completely demolished.

Oops. I put November 2022. Deconstruction is supposed to be done in November 2020.

[unfinite]

Noticed there are no recent photos here. Took this picture back on April 25th.

https://i.imgur.com/RLic4Fjh.jpg (https://i.imgur.com/RLic4Fj.jpg)

[Abe Simpson]

Noticed there are no recent photos here. Took this picture back on April 25th.

https://i.imgur.com/RLic4Fjh.jpg (https://i.imgur.com/RLic4Fj.jpg)

The building being demolished in the photo is now just a pile of rubble. There is lots of activity on the site right now. Seems they were working in every one of the buildings. They're moving along pretty nicely at this point.

[Harley613]

There is just an incredible amount of remediation work going on at this site right now. I wonder what the timeframe for redevelopment is...

[Harley613]

It appears that site remediation is nearly complete...I'm so ready for this to get going!

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51208360324_6fe2b3b325_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2m27esd)canlands (https://flic.kr/p/2m27esd) by harley613 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/92071236@N08/), on Flickr

[kevinbottawa]

Here's the before picture. The site looks pretty empty now although they only demolished a few buildings.

https://globalnews.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/booth-complex-aerial.png?w=1200

[AuxTown]

It appears that site remediation is nearly complete...I'm so ready for this to get going!

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51208360324_6fe2b3b325_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2m27esd)canlands (https://flic.kr/p/2m27esd) by harley613 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/92071236@N08/), on Flickr

This is such a unique project for Ottawa and an opportunity to build a really funky little enclave. I've always love the Distillery in TO and this is a perfect spot for something similar. I LOVE that they left the smokestack!

https://i.imgur.com/bxrkMH4h.jpg
https://imgur.com/r/cityporn/GIEXqXf

[OTSkyline]

Do we have renders of actual buildings or what the plan is (other than the high level concept images released a few years ago)?

Do we know a timeline, or how the land will be redeveloped in phases?

[McDonald's Racoon]

Little late to the party, just found out about this awesome project.
Few things I'm not sure if they were mentioned:
Are there any plans for the Parking Areas on Beech and Norman?
Have there been any sketches of the potential new buildings yet?

[drizzo_613]

Little late to the party, just found out about this awesome project.
Few things I'm not sure if they were mentioned:
Are there any plans for the Parking Areas on Beech and Norman?
Have there been any sketches of the potential new buildings yet?

The parking lot bordered by beech and Rochester has an approved 3 tower project. More info in the link below. https://skyscraperpage.com/forum/showthread.php?t=241082

[originalmuffins]

This being a mini-Distillery District for Ottawa would be really great. I'm really the excited about this and Zibi (RIP Lebreton.. for now lol).

[McDonald's Racoon]

@Drizzo :cheers: Thanks!

[Harley613]

It looks so barren after all the remediation
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52161394528_aa8bce74d2_h.jpg

[bartlebooth]

Great pictures! Thanks for sharing. This site has so much potential. I really hope it isn't horribly butchered but I fully expect mediocrity. On a positive note, we should get mediocrity of the highest quality.

[Harley613]

This site is half a block from Roderick Lahey's Office and in full view out the front windows. Do you think he sits there at his desk looking out and dreaming of a sea of 23 story charcoal brick towers here? :haha:

[OTSkyline]

What's next? I don't recall where we're at with this one. Have plans been approved? Do we have a phase 1 ready to go? When can we expect shovels in the ground?

[McDonald's Racoon]

I'm surprised they leveled so many buildings. Is it because they weren't salvageable or is it simply to build new buildings? I hope they keep them in the same redbrick style.

[Kelnoz]

I'm surprised they leveled so many buildings. Is it because they weren't salvageable or is it simply to build new buildings? I hope they keep them in the same redbrick style.

Most of the leveled buildings were built later, and I'm guessing had less historical value. You can see a site map with the construction dates for most buildings on page 3 of this thread.

[bartlebooth]

This site is half a block from Roderick Lahey's Office and in full view out the front windows. Do you think he sits there at his desk looking out and dreaming of a sea of 23 story charcoal brick towers here? :haha:

Bahahaha! Yes.

[originalmuffins]

Can't wait to see this area go up. It is perfect as a mini distillery district area once those other towers in the area are approved and start building on Preston/Carling. This area is going to be nice! Not expecting much but I am very glad they kept the smokestack.

[McDonald's Racoon]

Most of the leveled buildings were built later, and I'm guessing had less historical value. You can see a site map with the construction dates for most buildings on page 3 of this thread.

Ah I see that, but looking at the dates they seem to have hit some from the 30s while leaving some of the 40s in. I'm guessing some of the buildings were less appealing then others.