Claridge Homes proposes landmark development near Canadian Museum of Nature 

The Ottawa-based developer is planning to build a residential building on Gladstone Avenue, including a public space at the corner of Metcalfe and McLeod streets.

The high-rise tower would include up to 27 storeys and a new public space at the corner of Metcalfe and McLeod streets, across from the Canadian Museum of Nature.

“Landmark buildings are those which make both significant and exceptional contributions to the public realm and overall identity of Centretown,” Claridge Homes in a report submitted to the Planning Committee, reads.

The “legacy project” would span half a square block, surrounded by Metcalfe Street to the west, Elgin Street to the east, Gladstone Avenue to the north and McLeod Street to the south.

The city’s policy on landmark buildings is unique to Centretown, said Councillor Ariel Troster’s office.

“It imposes specific criteria — it caps the buildings at 27 storeys, there has to be a significant public realm component, a civic use component, sustainability metrics and more,” a spokesperson from Troster’s office explained, adding “that’s what adds to the complexity of this project.”

Claridge Homes has applied for a permit to demolish residences and office buildings to allow space for the project.

Proposed plans to tear down 222 and 224 Gladstone Avenue, as well as 223 McLeod Street, would allow for the construction of a landmark tower.

The site would also include 210 Gladstone Avenue, 377 and 379 Metcalfe Street, and 231 McLeod Street.

The application for demolition, prepared by Toronto-based Urban Strategies Inc., was submitted to the City of Ottawa last month.

The document outlines Claridge Homes’ vision for development, to be designed by one of ‘Canada’s top architects’ and landscape architects — selected through a design competition.

“While the building will stand out for its height and distinctive architecture, it will respect Centretown’s rich history and contribute to its eclectic character,” Claridge Homes said in its application for demolition. 

“The open space will be designed as both an amenity for the neighbourhood and a unique destination that complements the Canadian Museum of Nature.”

In terms of a timeline, Troster’s office predicts the project is months — if not years — away from a formal submission.

While a public meeting took place last summer, aimed at gathering community feedback, the project is still within the city’s pre-consultation process, they added.

The project timeline begins when an applicant provides a formal submission — but the city must first approve their submissions and complete a final review, explained the councillor’s office.

According to Troster’s office, the pre-consultation process is standard — but the project is unique in its complexity.

“Landmark applications are unique and specific and have to meet a bunch of other criteria, which adds time,” they added.

The proposed Landmark project on Gladstone will go through a rigorous planning and design process, involving extensive public consultation, said Claridge Homes on their website.

Claridge Homes did not respond to requests for comment from CityNews Ottawa. 

The local developer is awaiting approvals to demolish two non-contributing and three contributing properties to facilitate a Landmark Building redevelopment.