A local architect says the hotel's owners should voluntarily submit to the government's internal heritage review process as a gesture of good will.
Barry Padolsky, who sits on the city’s built heritage sub-committee and has worked on revamps at the Museum of Nature and the National Arts Centre, said the hotel’s owners should “voluntarily bind themselves” to the government’s own heritage review process, even though they don't have to.
“It will attract the wisdom of the National Capital Commission, Parks Canada and the city to really scrutinize the proposal,” Padolsky said. “If it does not measure up … it will have to change.”
Hotel owner Larco Investments unveiled plans last week to add a contemporary, five-storey glass and limestone extension to the national historic site, beside Major’s Hill Park. Public backlash to the project was swift.
Padolsky said submitting their plans to Parks Canada's heritage review office would be a “gesture of responsibility,” given the hotel is the only privately-owned property in the parliamentary precinct west of Mackenzie Avenue.
The nearby NAC and the Bank of Canada both took that step during their own renovations, he said.
The NCC and the city will also scrutinize the plans to make sure they conform to heritage and urban design standards before they’re approved.
Larco could not immediately be reached for comment.