Rideau Centre Expansion | Completed

[Harley613]

Originally Posted by HighwayStar

Interesting perspective... Several years ago, when the kids were small, my partner and I went on a rare movie night... WEP had the right film at the right time so we paid and went in....

... and it looked like a friends living room... we looked at each other, turned around and left.

We get enough of living rooms, and wanted a big honkin' screen on our one night out

I feel that way for big action blockbusters, but I saw a lot of foreign and indie films at WEP in those small theatres and I found it enjoyable.

[TheGoods]

Originally Posted by HighwayStar

Interesting perspective... Several years ago, when the kids were small, my partner and I went on a rare movie night... WEP had the right film at the right time so we paid and went in....

... and it looked like a friends living room... we looked at each other, turned around and left.

We get enough of living rooms, and wanted a big honkin' screen on our one night out

LOL, I remember those small rooms. I couldn't justify paying money to sit in a living room with a big screen.

They also have a few small theather rooms (not as small as WEP) at the South Keys Cineplex.

[rocketphish]

Nordstrom offers media first glimpse of new Rideau Centre location

Paula McCooey, Ottawa Citizen
Published on: February 12, 2015, Last Updated: February 12, 2015 6:54 PM EST


The shelves were bare and the mannequins naked, but members of the media were invited to the Rideau Centre on Thursday morning for a sneak peek at Ottawa’s new Nordstrom department store before its March 6 grand opening.

The store layout includes 35 departments, a restaurant and coffee bar — and reporters learned about the special services and thousands of brands that include everything from Toms, Helly Hansen and Kate Spade to Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik and Rag & Bone.

Store manager John Banks greeted the guests, who were treated to a light breakfast before touring the two-level, 157,000-square-foot store.

“We are thrilled to be opening our second store in Canada,” said Banks, who was a Nordstrom human resources director in Miami before moving north. “We opened our first in Calgary in September … and in September of this year we will be opening up in Vancouver, followed by three stores in Toronto, and that will be completed by spring of 2017.”

The retail space inside the Rideau Centre has undergone a considerable transformation. Once a tired space leased by Sears, it is now a bright, modern store with a mix of white gloss, glass and exotic wood tables, and chic couches and chairs.

During the tour, employees huddled in various department meetings around the store, working with merchandise consultants to learn about the products they will be selling when the store officially opens at 9:30 a.m. on March 6.

Shoes are front and centre as customers walk in not only because they are a fashion staple, but also because they are rooted in the store’s history. The new store will offer a mix of apparel, shoes and accessories for women, men and children.

“We like starting here because Nordstrom started as a shoe store in Seattle Washington in 1901,” said Nordstrom spokesman John Bailey. “And shoes really are at the root of our culture as a company.”

Both Banks and Bailey said their modern approach to service will be a draw for customers. For example, the beauty department on the first floor will be staffed by non-commissioned concierge employees well-versed in all product lines. And shoppers will enjoy a “barrier free” experience, making it easier to try products. The junior department features oversized change rooms with a lounge area, and there’s a separate play zone with an interactive flat screen television for kids.

Men are top of mind, too, with a one-stop-shop for those looking for a custom-tailored suits, a choice of 3,000 shirts and 1,200 ties, while at the same time being able to choose skin care products or get their shoes shined for $2.50. Women will enjoy personal service in the lingerie department that will open with 9,000 bras of all sizes and “certified fit specialists” who will ensure shoppers choose the right one.

Nordstrom’s full-service bistro-style restaurant Bazille will feature specialty cocktails and a wine list (liquor licence pending), with plenty of natural light from a wall of windows offering a view of the outdoor patio. Think pepper steak poutine and ahi tuna.

Asked whether Nordstrom has a target market, Banks says no because it offers such a broad range of products from affordable to exclusive.

“This is a place where men, women, kids, the whole family can go,” says Banks. “We’ve considered what their tastes are and their price point and we’re hopeful we’ll have something for everyone.”


By The Numbers

616 employees hired

157,000 square feet of shopping space

$180,000 raised for United Way Ottawa and the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation through ticket sales for the Nordstrom gala on March 4.

158 seats inside the Bazille restaurant on the second floor

60 seats on the restaurant’s outdoor patio

$11.50 for the Bazille’s pepper steak poutine

$2.50 for a shoe shine

9,000 number of bras in lingerie department

3,000 shirts in menswear department

1,200 ties in menswear department

4 restrooms, with one family restroom and one mother’s room (for nursing newborns)

35 departments with two food offerings, including a bistro-style restaurant and Ebar artisan coffee bar

292 Nordstrom stores worldwide

383,000 square feet in Nordstrom’s Seattle store, its biggest.

Video

http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news...st-glimpse-of-new-rideau-centre-location

[loga0082]

Originally Posted by rocketphish

Nordstrom offers media first glimpse of new Rideau Centre location

Paula McCooey, Ottawa Citizen
Published on: February 12, 2015, Last Updated: February 12, 2015 6:54 PM EST


The shelves were bare and the mannequins naked, but members of the media were invited to the Rideau Centre on Thursday morning for a sneak peek at Ottawa’s new Nordstrom department store before its March 6 grand opening.

The store layout includes 35 departments, a restaurant and coffee bar — and reporters learned about the special services and thousands of brands that include everything from Toms, Helly Hansen and Kate Spade to Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik and Rag & Bone.

Store manager John Banks greeted the guests, who were treated to a light breakfast before touring the two-level, 157,000-square-foot store.

“We are thrilled to be opening our second store in Canada,” said Banks, who was a Nordstrom human resources director in Miami before moving north. “We opened our first in Calgary in September … and in September of this year we will be opening up in Vancouver, followed by three stores in Toronto, and that will be completed by spring of 2017.”

The retail space inside the Rideau Centre has undergone a considerable transformation. Once a tired space leased by Sears, it is now a bright, modern store with a mix of white gloss, glass and exotic wood tables, and chic couches and chairs.

During the tour, employees huddled in various department meetings around the store, working with merchandise consultants to learn about the products they will be selling when the store officially opens at 9:30 a.m. on March 6.

Shoes are front and centre as customers walk in not only because they are a fashion staple, but also because they are rooted in the store’s history. The new store will offer a mix of apparel, shoes and accessories for women, men and children.

“We like starting here because Nordstrom started as a shoe store in Seattle Washington in 1901,” said Nordstrom spokesman John Bailey. “And shoes really are at the root of our culture as a company.”

Both Banks and Bailey said their modern approach to service will be a draw for customers. For example, the beauty department on the first floor will be staffed by non-commissioned concierge employees well-versed in all product lines. And shoppers will enjoy a “barrier free” experience, making it easier to try products. The junior department features oversized change rooms with a lounge area, and there’s a separate play zone with an interactive flat screen television for kids.

Men are top of mind, too, with a one-stop-shop for those looking for a custom-tailored suits, a choice of 3,000 shirts and 1,200 ties, while at the same time being able to choose skin care products or get their shoes shined for $2.50. Women will enjoy personal service in the lingerie department that will open with 9,000 bras of all sizes and “certified fit specialists” who will ensure shoppers choose the right one.

Nordstrom’s full-service bistro-style restaurant Bazille will feature specialty cocktails and a wine list (liquor licence pending), with plenty of natural light from a wall of windows offering a view of the outdoor patio. Think pepper steak poutine and ahi tuna.

Asked whether Nordstrom has a target market, Banks says no because it offers such a broad range of products from affordable to exclusive.

“This is a place where men, women, kids, the whole family can go,” says Banks. “We’ve considered what their tastes are and their price point and we’re hopeful we’ll have something for everyone.”


By The Numbers

616 employees hired

157,000 square feet of shopping space

$180,000 raised for United Way Ottawa and the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation through ticket sales for the Nordstrom gala on March 4.

158 seats inside the Bazille restaurant on the second floor

60 seats on the restaurant’s outdoor patio

$11.50 for the Bazille’s pepper steak poutine

$2.50 for a shoe shine

9,000 number of bras in lingerie department

3,000 shirts in menswear department

1,200 ties in menswear department

4 restrooms, with one family restroom and one mother’s room (for nursing newborns)

35 departments with two food offerings, including a bistro-style restaurant and Ebar artisan coffee bar

292 Nordstrom stores worldwide

383,000 square feet in Nordstrom’s Seattle store, its biggest.

Video

http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news...st-glimpse-of-new-rideau-centre-location

The Nordstrom is starting to look like the one in the video. It looks very nicely renovated. I will be in Spain in the grand opening day on March 6th. I will go and get something at the end of March, after I come back from Spain and Portugal. This is a very nice photo of the interior of the new Nordstrom. Did you visit it this morning?

Loga0082

[mac_junkie1]

Caplan's was in very bad condition from what I've heard. It was from the 1870/1890 and had too many changes over the years. Caplans hid the entire facade for years also. Imagine the damage behind that. In the end it was stripped to the brick and deemed very unsafe. So they took it down and re-built it to the exact original design. Luckily Ogilvy's never added big panels over the bricks, so its bricks were perfect. Unfortunately, its original facade was trashed in the mid-40s and replaced with a smoother look. The rear addition, 3 floors, were modeled after the original frontage look, so at least were getting 100 year old bricks well preserved going back up in place to re-create what was taken away 70 years ago! Very cool idea to a lesser extent.

Originally Posted by Kitchissippi

I remember back in the 1990s AMC theatre was eyeing the old Caplan building (where the 90 George condo now stands) for a downtown cinema complex. This would have been a great location and could have added quite a bit of activity to the Rideau/ByWard Market area. Developers were spooked by the condition of the heritage facade which in the end was torn down and rebuilt, just like the Ogilvy.

[J.OT13]

Caplan's:

Original


Mid-Century Reface


Final Countdown


Application to demolish Caplan's

http://app06.ottawa.ca/calendar/ottawa/citycouncil/a-lacac/2003/02-04/ACS2003-DEV-APR-0031.htm

[loga0082]

Originally Posted by J.OT13

Caplan's:

Original


Mid-Century Reface


Final Countdown


Application to demolish Caplan's

http://app06.ottawa.ca/calendar/ottawa/citycouncil/a-lacac/2003/02-04/ACS2003-DEV-APR-0031.htm

I remember the Caplan building located on Rideau Street. I do remember years ago that they were thinking of building a movie theatre, but it never happened. They constructed an Outfitters store.

Loga0082

[mac_junkie1]

got that report! can't say i hate what they did with it. its really well done... the cornice is starting to look fake and cheap, but nothing a small reno couldn't fix.

Originally Posted by J.OT13

Caplan's:

Original


Mid-Century Reface


Final Countdown


Application to demolish Caplan's

http://app06.ottawa.ca/calendar/ottawa/citycouncil/a-lacac/2003/02-04/ACS2003-DEV-APR-0031.htm

[mac_junkie1]

it was yes, but Caplan's was made up of many little buildings, specially nearer to george street. putting a theater in there would've meant knocking everything down regardless. the facade, had it been in better condition could've been kept in-situ, but it was falling apart pretty bad. years of neglect have that impact on 120+ year old buildings

Originally Posted by loga0082

I remember the Caplan building located on Rideau Street. I do remember years ago that they were thinking of building a movie theatre, but it never happened. They constructed an Outfitters store.

Loga0082

[loga0082]

Originally Posted by mac_junkie1

it was yes, but Caplan's was made up of many little buildings, specially nearer to george street. putting a theater in there would've meant knocking everything down regardless. the facade, had it been in better condition could've been kept in-situ, but it was falling apart pretty bad. years of neglect have that impact on 120+ year old buildings

I wish that they did construct a new movie theatre where the Caplan's building once stood. Even if the WEP cinemas and the Rideau Centre are now both closed, at least this one will had still be opened. It probably would had shown first run movies, since the Bytowne just shows foreign, classic, indie, and documentary films. We could had one first run movie theatre downtown. Unfortunately, they constructed it into something else.

Loga0082

[J.OT13]

I agree Mac, wasn't much to be saved on Caplan's. Based on the pictures, façade doesn't look like it's part of the building. Just a few bricks of different colours. Rest of the building looks cheaply built or in bad shape. The knock-off we ended up with is likely the best would could have ended up with. I do wish the cinema complex would have been built.

Any, Caplan's building was nothing like the grand, solid as a rock Ogilvy, which I sustain should have been saved and restored to its 50s rendition.

[loga0082]

Originally Posted by J.OT13

I agree Mac, wasn't much to be saved on Caplan's. Based on the pictures, façade doesn't look like it's part of the building. Just a few bricks of different colours. Rest of the building looks cheaply built or in bad shape. The knock-off we ended up with is likely the best would could have ended up with. I do wish the cinema complex would have been built.

Any, Caplan's building was nothing like the grand, solid as a rock Ogilvy, which I sustain should have been saved and restored to its 50s rendition.

When a building has been abandoned for years and you cannot save the bricks, that is when a building should be demolished completely. It is like the catholic school near the Shepherds of Good hope. I agree with you J.OT13, they should have built a first run movie theatre. At least, it would had not been that old. It would have only been built in the early 2000's. At least, if now the WEP cinemas and the Rideau Centre movie theatre is closed, there was that movie theatre to go to for first run movies.

Loga0082

[mac_junkie1]

It would've been cool, but I've moved on from "hoping". I did what I could and I'm ok with that. Instead I've seen the positive in what's happened, and I'm ok with that also. I've enjoyed it as it sat, but look forward to seeing the original vision again. It's dofferent. Now I can say, I've seen both without time traveling :-p haha

Originally Posted by J.OT13

I agree Mac, wasn't much to be saved on Caplan's. Based on the pictures, façade doesn't look like it's part of the building. Just a few bricks of different colours. Rest of the building looks cheaply built or in bad shape. The knock-off we ended up with is likely the best would could have ended up with. I do wish the cinema complex would have been built.

Any, Caplan's building was nothing like the grand, solid as a rock Ogilvy, which I sustain should have been saved and restored to its 50s rendition.

[mac_junkie1]

That is completely untrue. Many buildings that are abandoned for decades have had their bricks saved and reused properly. Caplans couldn't because of all the renos over the years. That's all. I can name you many buildings that were "abandoned" per say that are still around after a reno or a clean up and their bricks were just fine. Just because a building is abandoned doesn't mean it's bricks are gonna fall off. Even when open they fall apart. It's all in the upkeep.

As for the theatre idea. I just don't care about movies, so for me it's lower on the priority list. I see the importance of it, but it just isn't at the top. You never know. Rideau Centre may end up getting one. Just because Vanbuskirk sais dofferent, that doesn't mean it won't happen. If something isn't announced yet, she won't just say yes to any random person. Lol

Wait a little more and see if something gets announced. There is still at least 16 months left before the project is complete so just be patient. Logically though, a mall is a dumb place for theatres and there should be a better one somewhere else. Then again, the demand for first run downtown isn't that huge. There are nice plexes in not far from downtown. Downtown should show specialty films and if they really want, Bytown or something could show first run.

Just be patient and wait it out. See what happens. Many more changes can happen to the plans between now and opening... 80% of retailers in the addition haven't been announced yet. We're only at 50% in the addition timeline. Keep your eyes open for developments.

Originally Posted by loga0082

When a building has been abandoned for years and you cannot save the bricks, that is when a building should be demolished completely. It is like the catholic school near the Shepherds of Good hope. I agree with you J.OT13, they should have built a first run movie theatre. At least, it would had not been that old. It would have only been built in the early 2000's. At least, if now the WEP cinemas and the Rideau Centre movie theatre is closed, there was that movie theatre to go to for first run movies.

Loga0082

[loga0082]

[QUOTE=mac_junkie1;6916953]That is completely untrue. Many buildings that are abandoned for decades have had their bricks saved and reused properly. Caplans couldn't because of all the renos over the years. That's all. I can name you many buildings that were "abandoned" per say that are still around after a reno or a clean up and their bricks were just fine. Just because a building is abandoned doesn't mean it's bricks are gonna fall off. Even when open they fall apart. It's all in the upkeep.

As for the theatre idea. I just don't care about movies, so for me it's lower on the priority list. I see the importance of it, but it just isn't at the top. You never know. Rideau Centre may end up getting one. Just because Vanbuskirk sais dofferent, that doesn't mean it won't happen. If something isn't announced yet, she won't just say yes to any random person. Lol

Wait a little more and see if something gets announced. There is still at least 16 months left before the project is complete so just be patient. Logically though, a mall is a dumb place for theatres and there should be a better one somewhere else. Then again, the demand for first run downtown isn't that huge. There are nice plexes in not far from downtown. Downtown should show specialty films and if they really want, Bytown or something could show first run.

Just be patient and wait it out. See what happens. Many more changes can happen to the plans between now and opening... 80% of retailers in the addition haven't been announced yet. We're only at 50% in the addition timeline. Keep your eyes open for developments.[/QUOTE

You are probably right. They have saved some new bricks and used it for the new buildings. I think that they have kept the old bricks from the Ogilvy store. The building on Spark Street near the RBC bank was once a movie theatre. It was called the Mall or Centre. It closed down over 40 years ago, as I read in the book "A Theatre Near You" by Alain Miguelez. It was located on 116 Spark Street close to O'Connor street. Once the movie theatre closed down, they renovated it into shops. Last year, they were deciding to demolish the building and they were thinking of keeping the old bricks. The problem with keeping cinemas in the Rideau Centre and WEP, it is a nuisance having to park in the garage and paying a lot of money for parking. There are the Rainbow cinemas at St. Laurent Shopping Centre. They are located in the mall, but there is plenty of parking space and you do not have to pay for parking. It is also not located downtown unlike the Rideau Centre and WEP, so the rent is probably cheaper, since St. Laurent shopping centre is close to the suburbs of Ottawa. The Rainbow is also very cheap. I have been there a few times, if I missed a movie at the first run cinemas. One adult ticket and the snacks are incredibly cheap. I have a membership card for the Bytowne, so I go there frequently. I have been going to the Bytowne often, since the WEP cinemas closed its doors. Yesterday, I went to see "Felix & Meira" at the Bytowne because they gave it 4 stars. I went to see the "Imitation Game" at the Bytowne a month ago and it was a first run movie. In November, I saw "Whiplash" and "The Theory of Everything" at the Bytowne and I believe that they were first run movies. I even show 3 Shakespearean plays from the Globe theatre in London at the Bytowne and a few must see classic movie recently. I do check the redevelopment button in the Rideau Centre and more things have been added. They are relocating "Occitane", "Aveda", "Club Monaco", "Mrs. Twiggy Winkles", and " Starbucks" in different floors. I check every week. I know that Tiffany & Co are coming in August. Kate Spade is supposed to come in June.

Loga0082

[LeadingEdgeBoomer]

loga0082 wrote

The building on Spark Street near the RBC bank was once a movie theatre. It was called the Mall or Centre. It closed down over 40 years ago, as I read in the book "A Theatre Near You" by Alain Miguelez. It was located on 116 Spark Street close to O'Connor street.

I vaguely remember going to the Centre Theater on Sparks Street as a child.

[J.OT13]

Originally Posted by mac_junkie1

It would've been cool, but I've moved on from "hoping". I did what I could and I'm ok with that. Instead I've seen the positive in what's happened, and I'm ok with that also. I've enjoyed it as it sat, but look forward to seeing the original vision again. It's dofferent. Now I can say, I've seen both without time traveling :-p haha

I'm slowly getting over it. I'm at the point where I no longer feel the urge to boycott the Rideau Centre. Maybe when the re-mounted Ogilvy façade, I might finally get over it (if they ended doing a stellar job).

[bartlebooth]

A bit of an update on new stores and relocations.

http://www.rideaucentre.com/en/Redevelopment/Pages/ComingSoon.aspx

[loga0082]

Opening Soon at Rideau Centre
Silvia Logan
February 16 2015

I know that Aveda, Occitane, Club Monaco, Town Shoes, and Starbucks are going to be relocated. Tiffany & co is coming in August and Kate Spade will arrive in June. Simon's, Zara, and Massimo Dutti are going to be included in the expansion. I subscribe regularly to the updates of the Rideau centre. I receive news every week, so I am well informed.

Loga0082

[Norman Bates]

Originally Posted by kevinbottawa

I'll be working in men's furnishings. Stop by and say hi if you come in on opening day.

My nephew will also be working in that same department.