The Centretown Citizens Ottawa Corporation (CCOC) is proposing a redevelopment of its property on Loretta Avenue that would add up to 128 more residential units to the fast-growing Little Italy neighbourhood.
The CCOC, which specializes in affordable housing projects, owns two low-rise residential buildings at 287-293 Loretta Ave. S. In order to increase density on the property and add more affordable units, CCOC has submitted a plan to the city to consolidate its existing site with three lots facing Hickory Street to make room for a new 12-storey residential building.
The amalgamated lot would total 2,015 square metres (21,689 square feet or 0.5 acres). In addition to the two low-rises, it is currently occupied by a two-storey multi-unit residential building and three single-detached homes.
The area around the site is already built up, with one low-rise and three highrise apartment buildings.
The proposed 12-storey development would feature a four-storey podium and tower, with 124 to 128 mixed-market rental units ranging from studios to three bedrooms.
“The development will create mixed affordability rental housing owned and operated by CCOC, and would replace the existing townhomes and single-family homes on the site,” said the project’s application summary document. “The proposed increase in building height will allow for more residential units in one of the areas of the city best served by transit, employment access and 15-minute neighbourhood features.”
The proposal includes 13 parking spaces, most of which will be located in a parking garage that would also include 62 bicycle parking stalls.
Little Italy has been a major target for intensification efforts, with multiple residential and mixed-use developments proposed or in progress across the area.
Developer Claridge Homes is looking to top the height record it set with the 45-storey Claridge Icon by building a 50-storey sister tower across the street at 829 Carling Ave.
Earlier this year, developer Turn Group took over a project to build four towers on a three-acre site near Dow’s Lake that would include mixed-use commercial space for medical offices and a much-needed grocery store.
CLV Group is also working on a project near the Corso Italia LRT station, which would include three highrises and 930 residential units.
In the coming years, the area is expected to welcome between 7,000 and 10,000 new residents, according to Somerset Coun. Ariel Troster.
