A proposal to build four highrise towers would see more than 1,200 residential units added in Orleans.
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A proposal to build four highrise towers would see more than 1,200 residential units added in Orleans.
An updated design proposal submitted to the city by Fotenn Planning + Design describes a group of towers ranging from 24 to 32 stories on a vacant lot on the corner of Tweddle Road and Jeanne D’Arc Boulevard.
The podium-style buildings would contain 1,257 units, as well as 1,586 square metres (17,071 square feet) of ground-floor commercial space and a public pedestrian plaza.
It’s a development that Fotenn said would “animate the pedestrian realm and provide a mix of services and amenities to visitors and residents alike.”
In addition to the ground-floor commercial space, one of the towers would include a restaurant on the 29th floor, featuring panoramic views of the Ottawa River and nearby Petrie Island. In its planning rationale, Fotenn said the restaurant would be a “signature amenity,” envisioned as both a neighbourhood gathering place and city-wide attraction.
“The venue not only enhances the appeal of the development itself but also strengthens Ottawa’s east end as an emerging destination for culture, dining, and entertainment. The project brings forward a distinctive urban experience that reinforces the long-term vitality of the surrounding community.”
The proposal also calls for underground parking that would include 877 vehicle spaces: 764 for residents, 126 for visitors and 25 for accessible parking. It would also include 1,257 bicycle spaces, primarily underground.
The property is currently characterized by wetlands and steep slopes, according to the application, with adjacent lands zoned for environmental protection to the west and development reserve to the east and south. According to its planning rationale, Fotenn said the overall property is 34,154 square metres (367,630 square feet), but its topography limits the development area to 11,229 square metres (120,867 square feet).
The proposal asks the city to lift the holding zone of the property to permit the development.
While most of the surrounding area is wetlands, the neighbourhood has seen more development activity in recent years. Petrie’s Landing, a four-tower development by Brigil located to the east on Jeanne D’Arc, is cited in the application as similar to the development being proposed. There have also been new commercial developments close by, including one that now houses a pharmacy, dental clinic and restaurants.
Petrie Island, located just north of the property on the Ottawa River, includes amenities such as a municipal park, restaurant, play structures, beach, marinas and an interpretive centre with family programming.
