Centretown Community Association urges City of Ottawa to expedite Somerset House restoration project

At least one community group has raised concerns over the timeline of the latest restoration proposal for the historic Somerset House.

In a letter to the City of Ottawa’s heritage planner, the Centretown Community Association said it approves the new plan, but urges the City and developers to “expedite the necessary improvements to the property.”

“We would like to extend our support to the city in advocating for enforcing preservation measures for 352 Somerset House,” said the letter. “This property holds immense historical significance and serves as a tangible link to our past. Its preservation is not only crucial for the present generation but also for the generations to come. we believe that the city’s efforts in safeguarding our heritage should be commended and strengthened.”

The application, which requires council approval, would see a three-storey addition to the back east of the building, with 14 residential units and two commercial units. Its design would preserve key historic features such as its distinctive red brick, bay windows, and corner metal turret.

But since partially collapsing and being vacated in 2007, the building has stacked up over 30 requests for service and nearly a dozen notices of violations. Several building projects have been approved by former councils to restore or demolish the building.

“I think it will bring some new housing to the neighbourhood, but more importantly, it will help restore that really iconic corner in Centretown,” Somerset Ward Councillor Ariel Troster told CityNews Ottawa on Friday, Sept. 1. “So, I’m eager to see it get moving as soon as possible because our community has waited long enough.”

Somerset House was originally built in 1896 as a department store for the Crosby, Carruthers Company.

As a heritage building, alteration under the Ontario Heritage Act requires approval from city council. According to a built heritage committee report, “the conservation approach respects the heritage building as it will not involve the demolition of the facades and inevitable loss of original assemblies, detailing and materials including – metal, limestone, terracotta, and brick components that are character-defining feature.”

Images noting other features to be persevered at Somerset House include its bay windows and headers, metal detail work, arch details, and corner turret.

“Its not super ambitious in terms of height, they’re not asking for a lot of variations as far as I’m concerned. Perfect is the enemy of good and right now we need that site to be developed–we need that eyesore to go away.”

The restoration plan will arrive before the built heritage committee on Sept. 12.