40-storey high-rise proposed for area near Ottawa’s Tunney’s Pasture

A rendering of the proposed development at the corner of Parkdale Avenue and Burnside Avenue. (Brigil/Perkins&Will/report)

A 40-storey high-rise could one day overlook the federal office complex at Tunney’s Pasture, as part of a proposed development to build 429 apartment units in Ottawa’s Mechanicsville neighbourhood.

Brigil has submitted applications with the City of Ottawa to build a development at Parkdale Avenue and Forward Avenue, featuring a 40-storey high-rise and a six-storey mid-rise, with 429 apartment units and 207 parking spaces.

Under the plan, the 40-storey mixed-use building with a six-storey podium would be built on Parkdale Avenue, with the six-storey building constructed along Forward Avenue.

Coun. Jeff Leiper is hosting a webinar open house at 7 p.m. Tuesday for the applicant team to share information on the proposal and answer questions from residents.

According to the application, there would be 72 studio apartments, 142 one-bedroom units, 52 one-bedroom and den units, 132 two-bedroom units and 28 two-bedroom units with a den across both buildings, and space for four ground-floor commercial units.

“The two buildings are connected by a pedestrian bridge on the sixth floor, which crosses over a municipal laneway accessed from Burnside Avenue,” said a planning rationale submitted with the application.

“The proposal also includes ground-oriented residential units along Forward Avenue with functional front entrances to increase street animation and support an appropriate transition to the lower-rise residential context.”

According to the planning rationale, prepared by J.L. Richards and Associated, “The vision for this project is to weave a vibrant tapestry of high-density living into the heart of a major transit station area, opening doors to a multitude of housing options for both current and future residents.”

Brigil has admitted applications for an Official Plan amendment, a Zoning Bylaw amendment and a Site Plan Control for the property.

Currently, the lot at 131 Parkdale Avenue is occupied by a six-storey mid-rise apartment building, while 139 Parkdale Avenue has a two-storey detached dwelling. The property at 122 Forward Avenue has a two-storey townhouse.

Perkins&Will is responsible for the designs and architectural drawings for the project.

The application says the existing buildings will be demolished.

There are already several high-rise buildings in the area around Tunney’s Pasture. A 32-storey two-tower mixed-used complex is located at 121 Parkdale Avenue, an 11-storey building is located at 110 Forward Avenue and a 31-storey mixed-use building is located at 159 Parkdale Avenue.

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