[Gatineau] 22 Eddy St. | 15 fl | Completed

[harls]

Info:

22 Eddy Street
Approximate size*: 41,872 rentable square metres; 15 floors
Approximate number of federal employees: 2200
Name(s) of federal tenant(s): to be determined
Name of developer: 6979611 Canada Inc. (Parent company – Broccolini Construction)
Annual lease rate: $11,700,000

Render:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4059/4586054593_3de3d84900_o.jpg
source: http://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/medias-media/gp-pg/2010-05-07-00-eng.html

PWGSC news release - http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Harper-Government-Launches-Major-Job-Creating-Construction-Projects-1256300.htm

[Jamaican-Phoenix]

Looks like Hull Island is about to get one nice facelift.

[Kitchissippi]

I guess the Boutique Erotica+ site deserved a good erection :D

[Davis137]

That looks fantastic, and will certainly be a nice contrast to the Terraces buildings...will also help close the gap nicely between them, and the PDP complex in the skyline!

[Uhuniau]

And it couldn't come at a better time! I hear some time soon, in the 23rd century, the NCC, the two cities, and the two provinces, are going to launch the 638th study into interprovincial transit, with the ambitious goal of having shovels in the ground early in the third millennium for a state of the art "Bus Rapid Transit" link across the Ottawa River.

[Jamaican-Phoenix]

And it couldn't come at a better time! I hear some time soon, in the 23rd century, the NCC, the two cities, and the two provinces, are going to launch the 638th study into interprovincial transit, with the ambitious goal of having shovels in the ground early in the third millennium for a state of the art "Bus Rapid Transit" link across the Ottawa River.

I laughed until I realized it wasn't funny because it's too damn true.

[harls]

Site preparation has started according to Radster in the Gatineau forum


La construction de l'édifice sur le coin de Eddy et du Portage commencera bientot - Crown Taxi est parti, boutique Erotica est parti, et ce matin ils ont installé une cloture en metal autour du site. :banana:

[harls]

And now, a couple of shots I took today:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4135/4935402136_d78b93b82c_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4115/4935427258_a71ecc3c78_b.jpg

[Davis137]

That is such an awesome location! Congrats to Gatineau to getting a great new building in a great place! It'll bring a breath of fresh air to the neighbourhood!

[harls]

More digging today. You can also see the SOHO Parkdale crane there off in the distance.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4080/4952552676_c02293b791_b.jpg

[blackjagger]

Two view web cam is up of the site.

http://www.broccolini.com/22%20eddy.html

Cheers,
Josh

[harls]

Two view web cam is up of the site.

http://www.broccolini.com/22%20eddy.html

Cheers,
Josh

Awesome, thanks. Looks like the Bank Hotel is now the only thing left standing now!

[harls]

There's a huge billboard on the site now at the corner of Eddy and Portage. Same image as the initial render with a big '22 EDDY' in gigantic letters overlayed.

[Davis137]

Looks like some good progress already...

[Cre47]

Lot of blasting underway in that area lately

[Cre47]

The hole at the site is quite massive.

[cityguy]

The hole at the site is quite massive.

That's no way to be talking about your girlfriend. there should we a crane setting up there in the next week or so.

[blackjagger]

Its hard to tell, but based on the wedcam images it looks like we have two tower crane bases almost complete. This one should start moving in the right direction soon.

Cheers,
Josh

[Admiral Nelson]

Yep, and I haven't heard any blasting for the past number of weeks.

[harls]

I think something is happening today. Crane lowering material on the east side, and a large truck there on the west entrance.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5254/5531588427_c699c39bae_z.jpg

[cityguy]

The crane went up early this morning.

[harls]

Yep. Saw it yesterday afteroon coming back from the Laurentians. it's about half the height of Les Terrasses.

[Davis137]

It will be so cool to see this, and the other planned buildings going up in the Hull District, when observed from almost everywhere...they will certainly look nice when lit up at night too...

[S-Man]

I'd really like to see downtown Hull resurge and really come into its own. in addition to the government buildings and (hopefully) Cartier-Wellington, i'd love to see a half dozen or more smaller, montreal-style infill developments sprout from the parking lots and give definition to some empty street corners. Montcalm by the river would be a great place if you revitalize the sidewalk/street and fill in the two or three big empty lots with something nice. The price has to be right, and has to be able to lure some over from the Ottawa side. I don't think Hull has the same number of screeching NIMBYs as Ottawa who will chain themselves to a 'heritage' parking lot to save it from being 'ruined'.

[Cre47]

I'd really like to see downtown Hull resurge and really come into its own. in addition to the government buildings and (hopefully) Cartier-Wellington, i'd love to see a half dozen or more smaller, montreal-style infill developments sprout from the parking lots and give definition to some empty street corners. Montcalm by the river would be a great place if you revitalize the sidewalk/street and fill in the two or three big empty lots with something nice. The price has to be right, and has to be able to lure some over from the Ottawa side. I don't think Hull has the same number of screeching NIMBYs as Ottawa who will chain themselves to a 'heritage' parking lot to save it from being 'ruined'.

Well looks what's going with the mayor's arena project, getting hammered by NIMBY's fearing it would remove all those terribly ugly looking buildings (in particular one furniture store that has a horrendous looking rear that would surround the arena site (note as I said in that thread it's not my favorite location for the arena though).

[bikegypsy]

I'd really like to see downtown Hull resurge and really come into its own. in addition to the government buildings and (hopefully) Cartier-Wellington, i'd love to see a half dozen or more smaller, montreal-style infill developments sprout from the parking lots and give definition to some empty street corners. Montcalm by the river would be a great place if you revitalize the sidewalk/street and fill in the two or three big empty lots with something nice. The price has to be right, and has to be able to lure some over from the Ottawa side. I don't think Hull has the same number of screeching NIMBYs as Ottawa who will chain themselves to a 'heritage' parking lot to save it from being 'ruined'.

I wish for the same thing. It's sad what the feds have done to downtown Hull. Still, it survives with great places such Les 4 Jeudis. I believe it has the potential to be a truly wonderful part of the city. The new fed buildings are not overbearing which is a plus. A new arena would greatly increase its "entertainment quotient".

[Acajack]

We are making some modest progress in the right direction. I was at Les Brasseurs du Temps recently on a random Sunday night and was quite surprised that the place was almost packed!

[harls]

We are making some modest progress in the right direction. I was at Les Brasseurs du Temps recently on a random Sunday night and was quite surprised that the place was almost packed!

That place is great, I tried it about a month ago. We need more draws like this downtown.

[S-Man]

Yes, I need to try this new place, which in english I believe means 'hot brassieres' ;)
For a while now I've had a spiteful fantasy where the tallest residential building (or a mix of commercial and residential) is built in downtown Hull, and towers over Ottawa, prompting visitors to Ottawa to look at the capital's flat skyline in puzzlement, while Ottawa height-fearers huff and puff in consternation. It wouldn't be a soulless monolith like portage and terraces, but a really tall, slender, modern skyscraper.
Is that weird?

[reidjr]

Yes, I need to try this new place, which in english I believe means 'hot brassieres' ;)
For a while now I've had a spiteful fantasy where the tallest residential building (or a mix of commercial and residential) is built in downtown Hull, and towers over Ottawa, prompting visitors to Ottawa to look at the capital's flat skyline in puzzlement, while Ottawa height-fearers huff and puff in consternation. It wouldn't be a soulless monolith like portage and terraces, but a really tall, slender, modern skyscraper.
Is that weird?

I would not say the skyline is flat aslo taller or smaller thats not a key in no way to attract people you don't have people saying wow we really need to go to toronto not because its a great city not because we may want to do something there but to see the skyline.

[K-133]

I would not say the skyline is flat aslo taller or smaller thats not a key in no way to attract people you don't have people saying wow we really need to go to toronto not because its a great city not because we may want to do something there but to see the skyline.

I agree. I think a skyline sets a tone at a more subconscious level. I don't think 40 story buildings suit Ottawa / Hull very well. But some taller structures do create a general feeling and set an impression on visitors and those who live there.

I've been the the capital of Australia, they have something like a 15 story restriction. It feels very meh. Its a great town, don't get me wrong, but it doesn't set a great tone to a visitor.

With regards to Hull, I personally think its pretty nice at night.

[reidjr]

I agree. I think a skyline sets a tone at a more subconscious level. I don't think 40 story buildings suit Ottawa / Hull very well. But some taller structures do create a general feeling and set an impression on visitors and those who live there.

I've been the the capital of Australia, they have something like a 15 story restriction. It feels very meh. Its a great town, don't get me wrong, but it doesn't set a great tone to a visitor.

With regards to Hull, I personally think its pretty nice at night.

No question some taller buildings would ne nice and were going that way with the tribica and nepean towner etc my point is people don't visit a city just for the skyline.

[K-133]

No question some taller buildings would ne nice and were going that way with the tribica and nepean towner etc my point is people don't visit a city just for the skyline.

Ya - I completely agree. I'm just saying that it does have an impact on people's impressions of the city. And in my case in visiting Canberra, my openness to returning.

[harls]

Webcam shot of crane this morning -

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5052/5563450811_3aa8a78b84_o.jpg

source: http://www.broccolini.com/22%20eddy.html

I'm guessing the Bank Hotel is going to stay open for the duration of the construction?

[jcollins]

The brick building in the foreground of the render, is that being built too? To fit in with other architecture?

[jcollins]

I'd really like to see downtown Hull resurge and really come into its own. in addition to the government buildings and (hopefully) Cartier-Wellington, i'd love to see a half dozen or more smaller, montreal-style infill developments sprout from the parking lots and give definition to some empty street corners. Montcalm by the river would be a great place if you revitalize the sidewalk/street and fill in the two or three big empty lots with something nice. The price has to be right, and has to be able to lure some over from the Ottawa side. I don't think Hull has the same number of screeching NIMBYs as Ottawa who will chain themselves to a 'heritage' parking lot to save it from being 'ruined'.

Yup, some more residential projects would go a long way to making it more lively. With all of the federal buildings you hate to see every one taking off around 5.

[harls]

The brick building in the foreground of the render, is that being built too? To fit in with other architecture?

Yep. Supposed to be nod to what was previously there. Sort of like what they did with 90 George facing Rideau St.

[Acajack]

I'm guessing the Bank Hotel is going to stay open for the duration of the construction?

I am pretty sure the Bank Hotel closed for good around the time they started construction on the site.

[harls]

I am pretty sure the Bank Hotel closed for good around the time they started construction on the site.

Really? I wonder why they went to all the trouble to leave it as it was without any concessions? Is it vacant right now? :shrug:

[Acajack]

Really? I wonder why they went to all the trouble to leave it as it was without any concessions? Is it vacant right now? :shrug:

Don't want to talk through my hat but I am pretty sure it is vacant and has been since the construction started.

It was retained because the building has protected heritage status. I believe the façade was actually completely restored with municipal or provincial money maybe a decade or so ago.

There used to be a decent-looking building right next to it on the corner of Portage and Eddy (until 1995):

http://www.civilization.ca/cmc/exhibitions/hist/hull/rw_78_02f.shtml

[harls]

Ok, I believe you. Too much of a pain to keep a business running with all that heavy machinery and construction all around you, I guess.

Thanks for that picture link... I think that is exactly what they are going to try to recreate.

[Radster]

Ok, I believe you. Too much of a pain to keep a business running with all that heavy machinery and construction all around you, I guess.

Thanks for that picture link... I think that is exactly what they are going to try to recreate.

Don't quote me on this, but I think the construction dudes might be using the building in lieu of having trailers and portapotties like at most construction sites.

[Davis137]

After looking at those photos, I came to realize that there is a serious surface parking lot problem over there too...it must be dealt with...

[Acajack]

After looking at those photos, I came to realize that there is a serious surface parking lot problem over there too...it must be dealt with...

I presume that by this you mean that there are way too many unsightly surface parking lots in the Vieux-Hull. On this you would be 100% correct.

[Radster]

I presume that by this you mean that there are way too many unsightly surface parking lots in the Vieux-Hull. On this you would be 100% correct.

I agree, and this is what the Gatineau Mayor - Marc Bureau, has been proposing for that HUUUUGE surface parking lot you see on the top right corner of the webcam pics - as the site of the new Guertin Arena, or Centre Multifonctionel as they call it. But unfortunately, there has been big opposition to his idea, mainly from the vocal owner of the furniture store which would have to relocate (Vice-Versa), and many Gatineau residents who are so car-centric that they don't see the logic behind having the new arena built downtown, and instead prefer it is built by the HWY 50 in Gatineau, or at the current site of the Guertin with easy access to the freeway.

[Admiral Nelson]

The windstorm yesterday seems to have swung the construction webcam to one side :banana:

Before
http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/5528/22bnm.jpg

After
http://img580.imageshack.us/img580/2337/broccompa1.jpg

[Snowpatrol]

Looked out my window. They have not one but TWO cranes up now. The second crane is alot smaller. Love the red lights flashing at night. It looks really cool. My kitchen window faces it and we alway sit outside.

[harls]

^ cool, front row seats. Welcome to the forum!

Here's a screencap from the webcam this morning:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5101/5680389500_e2710e7bba_o.jpg

[Davis137]

Wow, great progress! Can't wait to see this thing hit grade by the end of summer, or possibly rise above grade...

[Harley613]

I'm also very excited. It'll be nice to see something new on that side. Been looking at the same damned thing for decades!

[Cre47]

Not a great shot, but an indicator, that it`s started somewhat to go up

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6029/5894511054_64016057a8_b.jpg

[Snowpatrol]

Just thought I'd make a post to say that the new building is sure getting underway. I'm suprised no one has posted about the huge amount of work that has been taken place. Looks like construction is well over above ground now and perhaps even three floors high now. Can't wait to see it when it is completed. They seem to average about 1floor per week now. Awsome! Anyone wanna share some pics or webcam photos of the work so far?? This thread could surely use some new posts. :tup:

[Cre47]

Yep, passed by and it's over the Bank Hotel level for the most part.

[Davis137]

Looked at the brocolini cam for this thing this morning, and you guys are right...it's at least 3 levels above grade on the north side of the building, with forms going up for the 4th. The scale of this building is larger than I thought it would be, and once it's up to it's full height, it's going to make a rather dramatic impact on that part of Hull's skyline (in terms of bridging the gap from Terraces to the remainder of the downtown area...).

[rocketphish]

Broccolini cam: (http://www.broccolini.com/22%20eddy.html)

http://www.earthcam.net/images/35efda37f6a8832aa61b0eec86db3d9e/broccompa1.jpg

http://www.earthcam.net/images/871c83a81793d62990246df3d37c1bf3/broccompa3.jpg

[Snowpatrol]

I wonder if there will be commercial space in the main level of the new building? It would be nice if it had a huge Atrium where people could sit, maybe like a food court or something. Right now there is only the food court at the Place de Centre and that is kind of dark with no windows. Perhaps they should have a nice restaurent in the main level to bring back some night crowds do that area again.

[harls]

Frigid photo update from webcam:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7024/6629913551_30a7dd2970_o.jpg

http://www.broccolini.com/22 eddy.html

[harls]

Shot I took yesterday.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7171/6647086279_23f589ce96_b.jpg

[Davis137]

I was going to say that the progress isn't that fast, but then again, the weather has fluctuated a lot lately, and I guess building the curved wall sections are more complicated than making a regular box...Seeing how tall it is already at only 5 floors above grade, I think it's going to look pretty tall when it's done, and that each of the floors must have a decent ceiling height.

[jt-mtl]

Thanks for the pic, it will be a beautiful building, cant wait to see it done. It will nice to see when driving into Hull from the Chaudiere Bridge

[Davis137]

Upto the 6th floor now, and it already makes the surrounding buildings (other than Terraces) look tiny...

[harls]

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7204/6857118555_d0800729ea_o.jpg

from the webcam. (http://www.broccolini.com/22%20eddy.html)

[S-Man]

With this built and the Cartier-Wellington up (I hear sales are at 60%), downton Hull will look less patchy and more urban.

[Snowpatrol]

http://img843.imageshack.us/img843/664/broccompa3.jpg

Taken on Mar.1, 2011 at 11:55pm. I can see this building from my window. I thought a Night Pic of the web cam would be a cool change. Sure looks well lit up at night.:notacrook:

[Davis137]

I like how big this building is getting now...Once at full height, it should look pretty good when observed from the Chaudiere bridge...or the War Museum...

[Snowpatrol]

Holy crap! Is this thing ever getting big. I counted the floors today, 10! That means 5 more floors left. Should be maxed out by June, I hope.

[Radster]

Holy crap! Is this thing ever getting big. I counted the floors today, 10! That means 5 more floors left. Should be maxed out by June, I hope.

I can see this building from my office on Portage, since mid-February they are averaging about 1 floor every 1.5 weeks, so if they have 5 floors left, they will be topped out by the end of April, or 1st week of May.

[rocketphish]

from southfacing (http://www.flickr.com/photos/23575605@N08/with/6995090913), March 18, 2012:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7057/6995090913_1d5a4eb3cd_b.jpg

[harls]

All it needs is a mast and a big pirate flag.

[Davis137]

Looks like it's at the 11th or 12th floor by the webcam shots of today...

[harls]

Here is a shot from rue Ste. Bernadette last Wednesday. What happened to that pine tree, I dunno.

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5238/6905411436_2e6741ee89_b.jpg

[Davis137]

Getting up there now...looks like they are doing the setback for the thinner top section of the building.

[Davis137]

Looks like there are only 2 floors left to go now...

[McC]

Looks like there are only 2 floors left to go now...

and then "all aboard...!"

[FiereSansVoiture]

I don't know if there are any federal office building U/C in Ottawa but why did the conservative government build 4 new office buildings in Gatineau (22, rue Eddy, 455 Carrière Boulevard, 30 Victoria Street and annexe Vincent-Massé) if they were going to cut approx 7000 jobs (http://www.radio-canada.ca/regions/ottawa/2012/03/29/009-reactions-budget-municipal.shtml) :koko:

[McC]

a couple of reasons to consider: these were different decisions made at different times, for one. For another, many buildings currently occupied by the federal government (not necessarily federal buildings) are due for major mid-life renovations and in some cases this could mean completely emptying some very large office buildings (e.g., L'Esplannade Laurier), and PWGSC identified an ongoing need for significant new office space to basically just be used as swing space for a number of years as these rehab projects are cycled through.

[Acajack]

a couple of reasons to consider: these were different decisions made at different times, for one. For another, many buildings currently occupied by the federal government (not necessarily federal buildings) are due for major mid-life renovations and in some cases this could mean completely emptying some very large office buildings (e.g., L'Esplannade Laurier), and PWGSC identified an ongoing need for significant new office space to basically just be used as swing space for a number of years as these rehab projects are cycled through.

Yeah, I think there is a regular cycle in their real estate portfolio: there are always a number older buildings that have to be vacated for renovations, and you have to put those people somewhere for a period, and this cycle is recurring.

[J.OT13]

Are there federal office buildings U/C in Ottawa; yes,
-the new EDC (535,000SqFt has recently been completed)
-new building on Terminal Avenue (roughly 200,000 SqFt)
-Lorne Building replacement at 90 Elgin (roughly 700,000SqFt)

-150 Elgin (roughly 350,000 SqFt) is NOT being built for Federal purposes

Gatineau U/C

About 2,000,000 SqFt of federaly purposed buildings U/C

Why Gatineau? Cheaper construction, cheaper rent and since the Trudeau gouverment, Federal Jobs must be split 75/25 between Ottawa and Gatineau.

[Cre47]

On top of those already mentionned, there's the massive complex off Ogilvie Rd

[J.OT13]

By Cre47
On top of those already mentionned, there's the massive complex off Ogilvie Rd

Thanks, I forgot about that one.

[MountainView]

By Cre47


Thanks, I forgot about that one.

How could you forget about $870 million of our tax dollars! ;)

[J.OT13]

I'm a born politician :jester:

[Snowpatrol]

One more floor to go.. windows and cement sides are coming up too. Amazing how fast this came up the past month.

[Davis137]

Looking at today's webcam shots, this one looks like they are onto the last floor now.

[Admiral Nelson]

Taken earlier today on my phone. Nice seeing it up close.

http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/8514/20120424124838.jpg

[Davis137]

Drove past it yesterday, and it looks awesome in person...love the size and massing of it when viewed from the southeast, south, and southwest!

[Snowpatrol]

Yeah, I agree. The south view is the best. From where I live on Hotel De Ville, I only see the north side, which is kind of boring in comparison to the south side. I was hoping that the North view would have complete windows but instead has concrete siding inbetween floors. Still way better looking than the falling down Terrasse Chaudiere with all the ugly scapfolding. I bet those people working in the Terrasse bldgs must be jealous. I worked in that building before and the air quality is terrible.

[S-Man]

I guess nothing changes - my mom complained of the air quality when she worked there in 1979.

[Radster]

I can see this building from my office on Portage, since mid-February they are averaging about 1 floor every 1.5 weeks, so if they have 5 floors left, they will be topped out by the end of April, or 1st week of May.

Well, looks like I predicted this correctly a couple months ago!

But I can't help thinking how much nicer it would look with a few more floors!

[Davis137]

I think they should have gone to 18-20 storey's, as the glass on the front looks great, and would have really kicked the building up a notch. I'm still happy with the building overall so far...

[Snowpatrol]

This buildling would look a lot better if ALL sides were glass. I find the transition of the glass windows in the front with the concrete beige (boring) sides doesn't really do much for having that 'aw' factor. I'm just saying! But hey, better than wooden boards that used to be there. :notacrook:

[kevinbottawa]

This buildling would look a lot better if ALL sides were glass. I find the transition of the glass windows in the front with the concrete beige (boring) sides doesn't really do much for having that 'aw' factor. I'm just saying! But hey, better than wooden boards that used to be there. :notacrook:

I was in that part of Gatineau a few times over the weekend. The beige on the sides looks gross. I didn't look that way in the rendering. It makes the building look cheap.

[Davis137]

Drove past this one again this morning, and I agree...the beige concrete looks really boring, and they should have gone with slate grey or something metallic, but I guess they were trying to better tie the building in to the exsisting neighbourhood buildings a little more.

[Admiral Nelson]

Ditto. I noticed the similarity with Portage a few weeks ago (NW corner)

http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/324/20120510190808.jpg

What the hell happened to this?

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4059/4586054593_3de3d84900_o.jpg

[harls]

I hope that the recreation of the Scott block (those old facades in front) doesn't look cheap like that brown concrete.

[McC]

Let's face it, the NCR is the Toronto Maple Leafs of Architecture. Sure there are a couple of stars in the lineup at any given time, and there's some storied past glories to point to, but mostly it's overpriced utility or overpriced former styles long past their sell-by date. Cue, those happy optimists around who believe in the always-imminent success of the "rebuilding" plans ('just wait till such and such develops, and then we'll turn the corner!')

[phil235]

Let's face it, the NCR is the Toronto Maple Leafs of Architecture. Sure there are a couple of stars in the lineup at any given time, and there's some storied past glories to point to, but mostly it's overpriced utility or overpriced former styles long past their sell-by date. Cue, those happy optimists around who believe in the always-imminent success of the "rebuilding" plans ('just wait till such and such develops, and then we'll turn the corner!')

You build everything on the cheap - surprise, it looks cheap!

[Snowpatrol]

This building structure looks something from the 1970's.

[McC]

This building structure looks something from the 1970's.

what other building from the seventies have glass ship's prows crashing through the middle?

[Snowpatrol]

what other building from the seventies have glass ship's prows crashing through the middle?

I was referring to the cheap beige concrete.. see other posters.