The Chateau Laurier’s heritage advisor says there’s no question a controversial expansion will face “rigorous” scrutiny at the hands of the NCC and city.
Architect Mark Thompson Brandt was responding to fellow architect Barry Padolsky’s suggestion that the hotel’s owners should let the federal government’s internal heritage office take a look at the plans, as well.
Padolsky argued that since the Chateau Laurier has the “privilege” of being the only privately-owned piece of property in the parliamentary district north of Wellington, its owners have a responsibility to make sure the feds are on board with the expansion.
“This is something they should consider in order to get the best advice from authorities,” Padolsky told Metro. “Because they have such a responsibility, given where they are, they should voluntarily bind themselves to that.”
Brandt said that’s a decision the owners will have to make, but he doubted the Parks Canada office, which doesn’t have the authority to approve or deny projects, could add much to the National Capital Commission’s already scrupulous review process that will consider urban design and impacts on viewpoints, lighting and the cultural landscape.
“That’s where they really excel,” Brandt said. “We’re talking serious, serious expertise and they’re not shy to say this is bunk.”
The NCC took 13 months to approve the National Arts Centre’s face lift – under construction right now – and it successfully whittled down the controversial Victims of Communism memorial to a smaller scale after voracious public outcry last year.
The Chateau Laurier revealed plans last week to add a contemporary glass and limestone addition to the north side of the building beside Major’s Hill Park, where the parking garage currently sits.
Lead architect Peter Clewes said at the unveiling that the addition should be “of its time” and complement the national historic site rather than try to copy it.
Public response was lukewarm at best, and even the mayor wasn’t sold on it. The hotel’s owners promised to hold public consultations later this fall.
Brandt noted the design is far from a done deal.
“Mayor Jim Watson said 'back to the drawing board,' but what he didn’t take into account is they're still at the drawing board,” Brandt said. “They are continuing to evolve the design. There will be changes.”