A bold, new highrise is poised to enter the Ottawa market in the trendy Parkdale area, courtesy of one of the city’s most established developers, Richcraft.
The Parkdale Collective at 159 Parkdale Ave. started construction in the fall of 2021, and, against all odds, is on track for completion and scheduled for occupancy in February 2025. Thanks to its innovative design and environmentally friendly elements, the 31-storey residential rental building will stand out amongst others for its unique appearance and energy performance.
“The Parkdale Collective is a testament to our commitment to excellence and innovation in residential design,” says Steve Grandmont, CEO of Richcraft. The company partnered with industry-leading architecture firms TACT Architecture and Rod Lahey Architects, and Grandmont says the collaboration aimed to create a landmark that exceeds modern living expectations.
“We are incredibly proud of this project and believe The Parkdale Collective will stand out as an iconic addition to the city’s skyline. It’s a place where residents can feel proud to live, surrounded by exceptional design and unparalleled amenities. We look forward to welcoming our future residents and continuing to build homes that enrich lives and communities throughout Ottawa.”
Highlight of the street
The existing neighbourhood has a lot of beige and concrete, and Prisham Jain, the lead architect from TACT, says the Parkdale Collective will undoubtedly make an impact due to its design. “The base of the building is a bright, buff material that emulates a natural stone, and the balconies are completed with a unique, warm glass that reflects the sun in a striking way. These features are not typically found in Ottawa, making The Collective the highlight of the street – light, cheerful, fun and playful, yet classic and proud,” Jain says.
The Parkdale Collective consists of 279 purpose-built rental suites offering a mix of one- and two-bedroom units with modern kitchens, in-suite laundry, and luxury vinyl plank flooring, with interiors designed by U31 Design. In addition to these suites, the complex includes an amenity floor, five townhomes along Parkdale Avenue, and a commercial space on the corner of Lyndale and Parkdale Avenues.
As a smart building, access to The Collective is provided through an app or fob. Each unit is equipped with a water flow detection system, Energy Star appliances, and a smart thermostat to ensure optimal energy efficiency, reflecting the company’s dedication to sustainability. “The Collective was designed for optimal energy performance, reducing energy consumption for residents and building operations,” says Vadim Skliar, senior project manager with Richcraft.
The remarkable development also offers five-and-a-half levels of underground parking and 20 EV charging stations, with the capacity to add 25 more. Amenities include a state-of-the-art gym, yoga room, chef’s kitchen, dining area, coworking spaces, gaming areas, and an outdoor BBQ area and swimming pool. Residents will also benefit from dedicated bicycle storage racks and repair stations, secured ski lockers and a dog wash station.
With its completion on the horizon, The Parkdale Collective is set to offer residents a premium lifestyle of urban luxury in Ottawa. Adding this distinguished project to its portfolio, Richcraft continues to set the standard in creating exceptional living spaces that endure and inspire.
This article first appeared in the September 2024 special “City Building” issue of the Ottawa Business Journal. That publication is available in its digital edition below.
