Running total of my favorite buildings in Ottawa

[ponyboycurtis]

I'm going to embark on a series on photos and a rundown of buildings that I admire.

I don't know if these images will show up properly. If they do I will provide a full commentary.

50 LAURIER












Last photo is Google streetview.


I figured it out! Next set of photos will be the power lines I grew up under as a kid.

Moving on.

This has been one of my favourite buildings for years. It's a great use of the given land parcel shape. It seems to mesh well with the restored Odell houses and integrated parking ramp.

They could have sold us short and not bothered with the articulated facade but instead we got treated to some really interesting masonry and materials. They didn't skimp on the details. This building may stand out in the future as one of those... gee it must have been nice to have the labour for work like that, as we often think looking at the masonry in Glebe houses. The stone on the ground floor and parapet with the coping are what should be a standard model to emulate. Had CP 1-4 emulated this with the rest of the building being stucco it would be an entirely different building.

One of my favourite details in the window lintels. First of all.. not nearly enough of our new brick buildings have lintels period, but in this case it's a materials matching deal on both top and bottom. Not only that, but it wraps from the articulated red brick sides onto the the tear drop ends so nicely. You can see the same sized lintels on the stone at the front 1/4 of the building and also at the end of the tear drops. The lintel also carries onto vertical bands on the sides of the end teardrop glass. Ditto for the 2 horizontal bands at the top of the building as well as the base.

I like the stone polka dots as well. They seem appropriately placed without being too tacky. You could argue they also draw your eyes away from the ventilation grilles.

Do I even need to mention the metal crowns at either end? plus they doubled down and added another one over the lobby.

In short, I don't really have anything bad to say about this building. I think it's also the perfect height. If it was another 10 stories the current effect would be lost. I'm not saying this is my favourite building in the city, but it's definitely on the short list.

-Excellent usage of land and integration
-Excellent material and colour pallet selection
-Timeless design IMO
-Outstanding workmanship (I've never seen a suspended scaffold for repairs)

[ponyboycurtis]

The Merit




As someone whose favourite style is arguably Art Deco, this building goes hard in the paint. There are so few buildings in this city, while still being pleasing to the eye, actually hit the mark on what they were trying to accomplish.




Window mullions aside... we have 3 different materials being used to excellent execution. Sandstone(or equivalent), black granite and stainless steel. New York City itself would welcome this building with open arms.




They didn't play around with the details here. That centre little pinnacle that protrudes higher than the roof? Check The horizontal stainless banding at the top laid over black granite? Check Appropriate setbacks that make sense? Check









Even the ass end of this building exceeds just about anything else in town


In conclusion... this building is an absolute champion because they didn't seek to emulate Art Deco... it IS Art Deco. While I am not an expert on NYC Deco buildings, to me this checks all the categories and does it in a very classy way. The building seems so much taller than it actually is with the verticality of the building lines. The proportions and materials used are second to none and its a masterful execution of the concept.

My only critique would be that a few extra floors would have been nice. Nothing to crazy, but 1 extra floor to each setback, say 3 to 5 floors overall. It suffers from not being prominent enough on the skyline and it's easy to miss while driving down the 417 despite having a clear sight line.


10/10 all day, every day.

[Harley613]

The Merit is THE ONLY residential building in Centretown/Golden Triangle that I love. In fact, it is pretty much the only one I LIKE AT ALL period.

[ars]

Originally Posted by Harley613

The Merit is THE ONLY residential building in Centretown/Golden Triangle that I love. In fact, it is pretty much the only one I LIKE AT ALL period.

Same here, I always have to just stand there and appreciate it whenever I'm in the area.

I just wish it was bit taller, the building feels like it was cut off at the legs.

[SL123]

I think the Hudson Park Towers at the Corner of Nepean and Kent are also great Art Deco building https://goo.gl/maps/wdULVyfmDYnpGcPv7

[ponyboycurtis]

Originally Posted by SL123

I think the Hudson Park Towers at the Corner of Nepean and Kent are also great Art Deco building https://goo.gl/maps/wdULVyfmDYnpGcPv7

Hudson Park is going to be subject to one of my poetic waxings in the near future. I already have the photos. Not sure if I want to do 2 Deco buildings back to back though, we only have so much good content

Relax! Don't do it! When you want to ...

[ponyboycurtis]

Guess what lads? It's been a week, so it's time for another episode.

1510 Riverside Dr.


The deco font has already made my pantaloons moist.


When you see brass, you know you're rubbing shoulders with that old white money.


There is a certain irony that this set of buildings has a higher homicide rate than the buildings on Caldwell Ave. But I digress...

While I appreciate all 3 buildings here, 1510 really stands out. It's sister building 1500 has many of the same properties and is still a fine building, but the tint of the concrete is considerably off. 1500 is beyond beige and into a sandy weathered color which belies what is an otherwise finely shaped building, albeit secondary to 1510. I understand 1500 was built in 1986 and 1510 was built in 1998, but I feel like there is more to it than 13 years of weathering.


Shame on me for shooting on an overcast day. The contrast in concrete with 1500 is easily seen, 1510 is white as can be on a sunny day.


This building is just gorgeous. No BS.. just bright white concrete.. black mullions.. crazy articulation that makes sense, bay windows and balconies both look great from the outside and perform well functionally from the inside.


What is there not to like about this? So simple and elegant. Clearly fancy without being schmancy.




Shameless night shots.

In a way, it reminds me of the Minto Place Hotel downtown but unfortunately they elected to use the faux copper green mullions to pay homage to Ottawa heritage. While I appreciate that, this is a much better look.

It's interesting that done correctly, this old school prefab style construction can visually out perform a lot of new builds. For myself at least, she's as clean as a whistle.


I like the shape of 1500 but the panels are slightly weird. Seeing the two next to each other it's not hard to form a preference. The concrete color is the real difference without a doubt.


For overall context, here is 1480. While I like it very much and prefer it to 1500, it lacks the pop of 1510. Without the black window mullions I find this facade shows its age. The concrete is also more of a beige tone and seems a little tired.

In the end.. I think you would be hard pressed to find 3 buildings in a complex, with nice grounds, interesting use of the lot and unique but complementing designs. Sure they are car oriented development despite being right next to Hurdman but I think it's hard to miss The Rivieras as a unique and interesting gem in the Ottawa cityscape.

[OTownandDown]

Spoiler alert: These buildings were coated several years ago. Someone made the decision that each building would be a slightly different shade of beige. None of them are bare concrete. You're right, the lighter one does look more 'clean'. Much like the new, fluorescent white, Lees Avenue Apartments.

Originally Posted by ponyboycurtis

Guess what lads? It's been a week, so it's time for another episode.

While I appreciate all 3 buildings here, 1510 really stands out. It's sister building 1500 has many of the same properties and is still a fine building, but the tint of the concrete is considerably off. 1500 is beyond beige and into a sandy weathered color which belies what is an otherwise finely shaped building, albeit secondary to 1510. I understand 1500 was built in 1986 and 1510 was built in 1998, but I feel like there is more to it than 13 years of weathering.

For overall context, here is 1480. While I like it very much and prefer it to 1500, it lacks the pop of 1510. Without the black window mullions I find this facade shows its age. The concrete is also more of a beige tone and seems a little tired.

In the end.. I think you would be hard pressed to find 3 buildings in a complex, with nice grounds, interesting use of the lot and unique but complementing designs. Sure they are car oriented development despite being right next to Hurdman but I think it's hard to miss The Rivieras as a unique and interesting gem in the Ottawa cityscape.

[ponyboycurtis]

Oh really? Well that is certainly interesting to know. I don't recall that happening. I'd love to hear a year if anyone remembers that.

Regardless, I think the styling of 1510 is the best of the three. It's s shame they didn't do all three buildings.

[JHikka]

The Merit is really great. Well done.

[OTSkyline]

Yep, agreed. One if not my favorite building in Ottawa.

Also wished it was taller and in a more prominent location. Unless walking on Lisgar behind City Hall, you don't necessarily see it much.

Our nicest buildings are hidden while the ugliest are front and center.

[waterloowarrior]

We used to spend New Year's Eve there while my friends grandparents were out of town. Georgeous views of the Ottawa River.

[OTownandDown]

Great post!

This building must have shared an architect with 'Riviera Gates Apartments' over behind Ikea.

[ponyboycurtis]

Originally Posted by OTownandDown

Great post!

This building must have shared an architect with 'Riviera Gates Apartments' over behind Ikea.

Ah, very true! That building doesn't quite stack up to this one but there is certainly a comparison there with the balcony style.

[ponyboycurtis]

Whelp... I think it's time for another snack.

We knew this one was coming, it was just a matter of time. Ladies and Gentleman may I present to you...

Minto Metropole



Completed in 2004, Metropole is the 3rd tallest building on the Ottawa side of the river.



Round peg in a square hole that works oh so nicely.







I never saw this building up close until I went to take these photos. I gotta say.. the ground floor is pretty underwhelming. If you told me this was an entrance to a commercial office building I would have no reason to disbelieve you. Furthermore... the exterior materials through the entire building aren't that far off Claridge Plaza from what I can see.

That being said.. the overall shape and form of the building is wonderful. The rounded crown of the roof that carries throughout the height of the building is what makes it so. By no means is it award winning architecture it sure looks DAMN good from a slight distance like Scott st. It's a simple building but masterfully executed.

This was also one of the first prominent buildings to be built after what I call the slump of the 1990s. As a kid in the 90s it was extremely rare to see any cranes in the sky so when this thing popped up it certainly made a lasting impression on me.

Have a great new years my fellow enthusiasts and reach for the sky.

[Harley613]

Which do you like more, Metropole, or it's very slightly modified clone 'Ovation at City Centre' built in 2010 in Mississauga? I have long wondered what the story is there.

[ponyboycurtis]

Originally Posted by Harley613

Which do you like more, Metropole, or it's very slightly modified clone 'Ovation at City Centre' built in 2010 in Mississauga? I have long wondered what the story is there.

Ha.. that's funny. I was looking at the area around Square One shopping center on google streetview the other day and noticed that building. Definitely did a double take.

Ovation seems to have a superior entrance by far. Also, a much wider rounded glass in the center with inset balconies. The squared side of the building also curves with the cylinder on two sides.

I would have to defer to Ovation.

[ponyboycurtis]

Welp... I was going to string my next post a little further but after Kitchissippi's comment in the Design Inspiration thread I figured I would just send this one. I shot these a little while back among a few other buildings.

The Barclay





All buildings should have a proper name.



Just monster sized balconies here. I wish that building on Lees ave reworked their balconies from the metal square stock spindles as opposed to closing them all in. I had a friend who lived there way back and it was cool to have two separate balcony doors. Living room and the Master.



I don't find the old style stucco a bother here. It's used in the just the right amount. The building is still mostly glazing. I'd imagine the feeling within the balcony must be a little more cozy than open railings so see through glass.



I need to invest in a real camera/lens and a drone. I also need to plan my shots around certain times of day and think of shadows.



For some reason I love to include the parking garage entrance signs whenever possible. I like typography.


Wrap around balconies are the tits. There's only a few buildings in the city with wrap around balconies in town that I don't like. East Market being one of them.

The Barclay seems very light and airy despite being a boxy precast concrete rectangle. It's like the balconies are cooling fins on a heatsink and the building is otherwise just a wall of glazing. I actually didn't even know this building existed until I stumbled across it while shooting some stuff along Richmond rd. I was immediately drawn to it.

[SL123]

I really like Minto Metropole definitely has one of the most distinctive rooftop in Ottawa

[Kitchissippi]

I used to have a good view of this building before the Westboro Station condos were built and loved how the sunset would filter through the corner units. Despite the solid balconies, this building has a awesome translucent quality to it. If I lived there, I'd deck out the apartment with airy mid-century style furniture with spindly feet.