71 Russell Ave | 14m | 4f | Proposed

[rocketphish]

An application has been received to construct a 16 unit residential apartment building at 71 Russell Avenue. The footprint area of the proposed building is 312.8 sq. m. The property is currently occupied by a 2.5 storey derelict dwelling. All buildings and structures will be removed.

To reflect the style of the built form along the street, the proposed building will have 4 storey, brick and masonry components at the front and side facades completed with non-combustible cladding which is of an unobtrusive appearance and a darker colour.

It is appropriate to redesign the grade at the front of the property in order to make it more appealing for pedestrians as well as to enhance the overall look of Russell Avenue. The steep topography of the site (rear yard) creates an opportunity to plant trees yet still permits sunlight and views. The landscape concept is to reinstate a native ‘urban forest’ with a small outdoor amenity space adjacent the building and to maintain any valuable trees. This urban forest also creates a barrier to the asphalt parking of the neighbours at the back.

Development application:
http://app01.ottawa.ca/postingplans/...appId=__A8JIUB

Streetview:
https://www.google.ca/maps/@45.42505...ov%3D100?hl=en


Renderings:

[kwoldtimer]

Clever how they've carved it into the hill to minimize the impact of the fourth storey.

[J.OT13]

Originally Posted by kwoldtimer

Clever how they've carved it into the hill to minimize the impact of the fourth storey.

For many reasons, including this one, the proposal seems less offensive than most infills we see around town.

[roger1818]

Originally Posted by J.OT13

For many reasons, including this one, the proposal seems less offensive than most infills we see around town.

It looks better than the buildings to the south, but it still looks kind of boxy. It would have been nice if they could have retained a few more of the architectural features of the existing building. Not sure how that could have been done though, but then again I am not an architect.

Edit: Looking at the existing house in streetview, there seems to be a tree that is much too close to the foundation, and likely causing them problems.

[kwoldtimer]

Originally Posted by roger1818

It looks better than the buildings to the south, but it still looks kind of boxy. It would have been nice if they could have retained a few more of the architectural features of the existing building. Not sure how that could have been done though, but then again I am not an architect.

Edit: Looking at the existing house in streetview, there seems to be a tree that is much too close to the foundation, and likely causing them problems.

I disagree. I much prefer the nod, modest though it is, to the deco apartments to the south.

[rocketphish]

Updated Proposal (Feb 2026)

Jersey Developments Inc. is proposing to construct a 4-storey, 28-unit low-rise apartment dwelling with basement and sub-basement, at 71 Russell Avenue. The proposed development proposes 28 bicycle parking spaces, zero vehicular parking spaces, a 1.8 m walkway from the sidewalk directly to the front door. The property is currently vacant.

Unit count:
1BR: 16
2BR: 10
2BR+Office/Pantry: 2
Total: 28


Architect: Lawrence Architects (who must be channelling their inner Project1 Studio)


Development application:
https://devapps.ottawa.ca/en/applica...6-0014/details


Location:




Siteplan:




Renderings:

[J.OT13]

This is great. Vacant lot, effort to keep the height in line with the house next door. I like it!

[ponyboycurtis]

That is certainly a higher end look than the 2018 proposal. Nice mix of materials.

[Norman Bates]

Wow! That’s actually nice. Certainly raising the bar. Moar like this, please.

[harls]

Looks nice.. and I am certain I bought a loveseat from someone that lived in that building next door in the first pic (I still have it. )