The 100 Argyle project site is located in the heart of Ottawa’s Centretown district, adjacent to the historic Canadian Museum of Nature.

The RLA team led the extensive collaboration between the client group, consultants, City planners, The Ottawa Built Heritage Committee and the Centretown Community Association in devising a project strategy that preserved the heritage elements of the existing 2 1/2 storey structure at 100 Argyle and integrated that with a newly proposed 12-storey residential building.

RLA Architecture partnered with heritage architects RMA+SH and restoration specialists Heritage Grade in the careful planning of the disassembly of the existing building façade, which involved the meticulous cataloguing, safe removal, and temporary storage of the heritage material. This coordinated effort will enable the construction team to excavate the entire site without risking harm to the heritage structure. Subsequently, these heritage elements will be integrated into the new residential building, serving as the focal point of the main entrance and lobby gallery. Every heritage stone will undergo careful reinstatement to faithfully reproduce the former building facade.

RMA+SH has also contributed mightily to the project in the careful coordination of the heritage detailing and the integration of these assets with new building elements (window and mechanical systems).

The Element