An Ottawa real estate firm wants to construct a six-storey rental complex in Centretown that would integrate part of an existing century-old building into its design – but have no space for residents to park.
SerCo Realty Group recently filed an application with the city to construct a 27-unit apartment building at 322 Waverley St. W., on the southeast corner of O’Connor St. The property is currently occupied by a two-and-a-half storey red brick structure dating from the early 20th century that’s now an office space.
The existing building is located in the Centretown Heritage Conservation District. SerCo is proposing to retain the building’s façade, incorporate other portions of the structure into the rental building and use reclaimed brick for the front of the new development.
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“The retention and reuse of the front façade of the existing building as well as the choice of materials reflects the heritage of Centretown while also providing a modern building aesthetic,” planning documents attached to the proposal say.
While the plan calls for 17 bicycle parking spaces, it does not include any spots for cars.
Noting that the site is close to a number of bus routes and less than a kilometre south of the Parliament LRT station, planning documents prepared by Fotenn say the development will contribute to the city’s goal of creating “more walkable, 15-minute neighbourhoods” that don’t require residents to drive to their destinations.
“The proposed development will help ensure that housing is close to local shops and services in a neighbourhood with a street and pathway network that facilitates active transportation and discourages local car trips,” the consultant’s report says.
The plan would require several zoning amendments to accommodate its proposed height, lack of parking and limited setbacks.
