CENTRETOWN APARTMENTS

Ottawa has seen it fair share of residential high-rise developments over the past 20 years, with new condo and rental towers popping up across downtown, Little Italy, Westboro, Beechwood and other parts of the City.  The tendency has been to go higher and higher, with many recent developments pushing past 20 stories.  The recently-complete Claridge Icon building on Preston Street is 45 stories tall and some of the more recent development applications are approaching 70 stories.  With the push to go higher and higher, it’s easy to overlook some of the historic mid-rise apartments that used to be a mainstay in downtown Ottawa.  Many of these apartments date back to the 1920-30s, and are still home to many residents in Centretown.  With a more modest height of 3-5 stories, brick facades, and many interesting ornamental details, the mid-rise seems to blend in with the surrounding streetscape.  Something that can’t always be said for the new residential high-rises, which have a tendency to stand out and dominate their surroundings.  The photos below are my attempt to capture some of the more interesting mid-rise apartments in Centretown.