Heritage Ottawa would like to take this opportunity to express our support for the observations and recommendations of the Urban Design Review Panel as expressed the October 2nd 2013 document “137 & 141 George Street & 321 Dalhousie Street”
The UDRP observed that “This is an intervention in the ByWard Market Heritage Conservation District, and as such, should exhibit greater sensitivity to the existing context.” Addressing the proposed Building Articulation/ Materiality of 325 Dalhousie Street, the UDRP recommended:
Being on the edge of the ByWard Market, the proposed buildings will serve as a main backdrop to the low-rise built form of the Market, especially when viewed from George and York Streets. Because of this special relationship, the Panel feels that the facades of the buildings are inappropriately strong and over-assertive with stark-white patterning on the west facades. They should be designed as more neutral and beautiful backdrop buildings to the rest of the Market district.
Furthermore, Heritage Ottawa would like to underline the value of the Panel’s role as an independent and disinterested reviewer of development projects in the City of Ottawa. It would be valuable if, in the future, UDRP advice is engaged and heeded earlier in the process.
Thank you
Leslie Maitland, M. Mus., CAHP
President
