397-399 Winston Ave | 26m | 7f | U/C

J.OT13 · #1 Posted **Mar 18, 2021, 12:18 PM**

Developer floats seven-storey apartment in heart of Westboro

OBJ Staff
March 17, 2021

An Ottawa builder is proposing a seven-storey mixed-use development in Westboro that would include more than 40 rental apartments and ground-floor retail space.

Dolyn Construction has filed a planning application with the city for the building at 397 and 399 Winston Ave., on the northeast corner of Richmond Road. The site is currently occupied by two single-detached homes and is zoned for traditional mainstreet uses, including residential and commercial.

The builder says the project, designed by GRC Architects, would feature a total of 42 apartment units as well as two commercial spaces on the ground floor. The plan also calls for a two-level underground parking lot with 18 spaces.

Dolyn says the proposal “promotes the concept of ‘15-minute neighbourhoods’ in this area” that are within walking distance of amenities such as grocery stores, retail shops and restaurants. The builder wants to connect the building to Winston Square, an outdoor community area next to the nearby branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, “to enhance and expand this unique public space.”

The developer notes that the site is within 400 metres of the Dominion transit station that is being converted to a light-rail station as part of phase two of the Confederation Line.

The project’s height falls within current zoning limits. The developer is asking for a minor amendment to permit a reduced requirement for transparent windows and entrances on the ground floor.

The proposed development isn’t the only plan to build more residential and retail space near the heart of Westboro commercial district. A block farther east, another builder wants to construct a nine-storey mixed-use project at the corner of Richmond Road and Churchill Avenue that calls for more than 180 residential units.

https://obj.ca/article/real-estate/resid...ts-seven-storey-apartment-heart-westboro

rocketphish · #2 Posted **Mar 18, 2021, 11:03 PM**

Dolyn Construction Inc. is proposing the development of a 7-storey mid-rise apartment dwelling, at 397-399 Winston Avenue, with commercial uses on the ground floor and residential uses on upper floors. A total of 42 residential units are proposed, and two commercial uses are proposed on the ground floor. Two levels of underground parking area proposed.

The 719m2 (0.071 hectare) site is located at the south end of Winston Avenue, adjacent to the Winston Square plaza which intersects Richmond Road. The vision for the proposed 650m2 gross floor area development is to create a strong and inviting architectural form that will intensify the site.

Architect: GRC Architects

Development application:
https://devapps.ottawa.ca/en/applications/__BDNDWE/details

Streetview:
https://www.google.ca/maps/@45.3913902,-...AJ2mzCNMiNRw4yAMbfMPA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

Location:

Siteplan:

Renderings:

vtecyo · #3 Posted **Mar 19, 2021, 8:05 PM**

I wish they'd add balconies to the eastern side - there's something I just hate about high and small windows in apartments. The little windows make me think those units will be dark and miserable to live in. Maybe they could add some full height sliding windows with Juliette balconies...? Or maybe sacrifice a little indoor space to fit the balconies inside the current footprint. Maybe they expect a building will go up right beside it and ruin the view to the east - or something in the zoning prevents it...?

Anyway - I'm surprised they didn't just buy out 395 and 393 Winston and build a bigger building, it looks like they are zoned exactly the same way.

I'd also expect the neighbors on Winston will hate having the parking garage entrance in the in the dead end part of the street.

If they had bough the others out that way they could put the entrance on Madison, and maybe so a step down design to wards the north ending with maybe 4 or 5 floors.

J.OT13 · #4 Posted **Mar 19, 2021, 8:10 PM**

Looks like a cheap reclad of some McArthur apartment buildings.

Sauvanto · #5 Posted **Mar 19, 2021, 8:50 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by vtecyo

I wish they'd add balconies to the eastern side

Balconies yes, but if my rent could be lowered by sacrificing the balconies I'm all for that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by vtecyo

- there's something I just hate about high and small windows in apartments.

Actually I wish my old apartment had smaller windows, the big windows were poorly insulated, in the winter the windows would just suck out the heat, and without AC in the summer the only option was to either close the curtains completely or keeping them open to get sunlight at the price of sitting through a scorching 27 degrees.

Quote:

Originally Posted by vtecyo

If they had bough the others out that way they could put the entrance on Madison, and maybe so a step down design to wards the north ending with maybe 4 or 5 floors.

100% agreed, missed opportunity to get more affordable housing in one block

J.OT13 · #6 Posted **Mar 25, 2021, 2:31 PM**

From Leiper's Newsletter:

We are hosting an open house with the community to discuss this proposed development further:

Tuesday, March 30 at 7:00pm

Please click the link below to join the webinar:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86210255137

Password: 169926

J.OT13 · #7 Posted **Apr 15, 2021, 12:45 PM**

Public Open House:

• Video Link

rocketphish · #8 Posted **Jul 16, 2021, 1:06 AM**

Second submission:

Slightly less weird-looking.

J.OT13 · #9 Posted **Jul 16, 2021, 5:26 PM**

It's an improvement. Less black. Ground level entrances set-back. Hope to see some murals on those blank walls.

McKellarDweller · #10 Posted **Jul 16, 2021, 7:22 PM**

That east facade is total garbage. Not even close to okay.
Sell the land at a profit, and get out of here please.

Marcus CLS · #11 Posted **Sep 10, 2022, 1:46 PM**

This is now all approved. The 2 original residential low rise buildings are now demolished. According to the Kitchissippi ward website construction may start this fall.