Now starting to rise well above grade, DevMcGill's Arthaus Residences at Arts Court is bringing a unique mixed-use presence to Ottawa's Downtown. Housing an art gallery, a black box theatre, a boutique hotel, and a collection of condominium suites, the 23-storey tower promises to add urban vitality while boosting culture in the heart of Canada's capital city.

The site in June, image courtesy of DevMcGill

Rising just north of the University of Ottawa's Downtown campus, the project—located at 60 Waller Street—is tucked in between the university, the Rideau Centre, and the popular Byward market neighbourhood. Adding to the area's cultural vibrancy, the project will provide an expanded home for the neighbouring Ottawa Art Gallery's Firestone Collection of Canadian Art, alongside a 1,600 ft² performing arts space and classrooms for the University of Ottawa's Department of Theatre.

The Arthaus Tower will abut the Ottawa Art Gallery (seen at left), image courtesy of DevMcGill

Alongside the significant cultural programming, a luxury Le German hotel will provide an infusion of street-level activity, bringing tourists and visitors to the area. Meanwhile, the tower's upper nine floors will be given over to private residences, with 88 condominium suites, ranging in size from 450 ft² to 1,800 ft². On the 15th floor, a residential amenity space will provide a buffer from the activity below, with a lounge, formal dining room—complete with catering kitchen—and entertainment centre available to all residents. The tower will also be topped by a luxurious rooftop terrace, providing an outdoor residential amenity. 

A new public space will be created at street level, image courtesy of DevMcGill

Designed by Régis Côté et Associés, Barry Padolsky Associates Inc. Architects, and KPMB Architects, the project will feature interiors by Toronto-based U31. Recent photos show the structure rising above grade, continuing the development's relatively fast-paced construction progress, and now beginning to assert its presence on the streetscape. 

Looking east from above, image courtesy of DevMcGill

While the scale of the project is smaller than many of Downtown Toronto's recent towers, the diverse mix of programming makes the development a compelling case study in mixed-use urbanism. Addressing the urban realm through culture, education, tourism/travel, and residential density, the project—which will also create a new public space at street level—sets itself apart from most of Canada's new-build towers through its uncommon diversity. 

Another view of construction progress, image courtesy of DevMcGill

With the Firestone Collection's new home set to be unveiled in time for Canada's Sesquicentennial celebrations next year, the project targets a 2017 completion.

A worm's eye view of the tower, image courtesy of DevMcGill

To find out more about ArtHaus—and see additional renderings—you can visit our dataBase file for the project, linked below. With the project now making an impact on the streetscape, we will keep you updated as on-site progress continues. If you would like to get in on the conversation, you can click on the thread link which will take you to our sister Forum at SkyriseCities.com, or you can leave a comment in the space provided on this page.