A new report by Ottawa city staff recommends the Finance and Economic Development Committee and by City Council to approve the consortium of EBC Inc., DevMcGill and Groupe Germain for the Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG) Expansion and Arts Court Redevelopment Project.
The site will feature the private sector development of a 21-storey mixed-use tower at 60-70 Waller Street that will include a boutique hotel on the first 12 floors and residential condominium units on the upper floors.
The initiative represents a public-private investment of over $100 million to rejuvenate the downtown core. It includes a $41.68-million investment by the city and $60 million from the private sector.
Last November, city council voted unanimously in favour of funding and initiating the procurement process for the project, which will include a new and larger Ottawa Art Gallery. The space will incorporate a 250-seat multi-purpose and film screening room, along with a new 120-seat theatre and four classrooms for the University of Ottawa.
Space in Arts Court vacated by the OAG will also be repurposed and the old and new buildings will be connected on four floors to establish an integrated and accessible facility.
“This is another exciting step forward for the redevelopment of the Ottawa Art Gallery and Arts Court,” Mayor Jim Watson said. “This magnificent project will create jobs, attract visitors to our City and provide a revitalized downtown space to showcase Ottawa’s inspiring and talented arts community.”
