Ice boy
New Member
Some pics from yesterday, looking really nice so far
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DesignJunky
New Member
Loving the location of the new library. Hoping the finishes match the render!
This looks amazing. Better than the rendering.
If the stone is done well, this will be an iconic new building for Ottawa. Spectacular location, impressive interior space.
The location ended up being so incredibly epic. The views are going to be incredible. I have been to the central libraries in Calgary, Montreal, Vancouver, and they are all spectacular, but none have a view. This library will bring the aqueduct and Pooley's Bridge to life, a forgotten and beautiful urban oasis.
The debate on the site, having it more within the CBD (Technical High or where Relevé is now) was interesting. At the time, I did want something better integrated within the street grid. In hindsight, very happy with the site selected. It elevates the library from a (I'm sure) nice civic structure to a landmark.
Heck, even if we built in next to Pimisi, where Dream LeBreton is going up, those views from and of would have been largely lost.
I do hope this City does something to hide the TPSS and maybe even the tunnel portal because they are eyesores and obstacles in the area.
Heck, even if we built in next to Pimisi, where Dream LeBreton is going up, those views from and of would have been largely lost.
I do hope this City does something to hide the TPSS and maybe even the tunnel portal because they are eyesores and obstacles in the area.
zzptichka
New Member
I hope they figure out what to do with Commissioner Street before it becomes a parking lot for the library. It could've been part of the project, given it's right between the Library and LAC building.
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Hypotemoose
New Member
The government workers love their parking lot behind the LAC and don't want even temporary closures on Commissioner. They even forced the pipe alignment for the new library to be moved under the MUP instead of under Commisioner because they didn't want to close the road for pipe work.
From CTV News
https://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/the-const...central-library-is-halfway-finished-1.6885416The construction story of Adisoke, the new site of the central library, is halfway finished
Construction on Adisoke, Ottawa's new central library, is more than 50 per cent complete. The building has five floors and features many public spaces, shared between the Ottawa Public Library and Library and Archives Canada. (Leah Larocque/CTV News Ottawa)
Leah Larocque
CTV News Ottawa Multi-Skilled Journalist
Published May 13, 2024 5:31 p.m. EDT
Construction on Ottawa's new central library has passed the halfway point.
Officially named Ādisōke, which means "storytelling" in Anishinaabemowin, the new library being built near LeBreton Flats on Albert Street, is a joint Ottawa Public Library and Library and Archives Canada facility.
The $334-million dollar building is scheduled to open by summer 2026.
According to Paul Hussar, program manager for design, construction, and infrastructure for the Adisoke project, says the building just passed 54 per cent completion.
Hussar says the next big milestone will be finishing the outside of the building and its framework, hoping to have that done around November 2024. "What we really need to have is the building watertight so we can start the interior, finishes the woodwork, get the moisture out of the interior of the building," says Hussar.
CTV News was given a tour of the construction and got a sneak peek inside the building that spans five floors and have more than 216,000 square feet of space.
A look at progress inside Ottawa's new central library, Adisoke, which is now more than 50 per cent complete. May 13, 2024. (Leah Larocque/CTV News Ottawa)
The main floor features a large atrium with performance and exhibition spaces. The second floor is where the children's literature section will go. Visitors will be able to use recording studios and a creative space on the third floor. The non-fiction section is featured on the fourth floor, and the fiction section on the fifth.
The large wooden roof is made up of Douglas fir beams, and timber panels.
Highlighted on all floors are feature staircases as well as glass elevators.
Ottawa Public Library CEO Sonia Bebbington says it is a unique time to see the library.
"You can see feature staircases throughout the building and they're not clad yet so you're seeing some of the bones of the building. And it's only going to get more and more beautiful, but it really is taking shape."
Bebbington says the building's design has prioritized public space for people to gather and enjoy exhibitions or performances. "Every time I come here, I'm amazed how much it's changed and evolved and how much it's already lining up to the vision that we have to be a beautiful public, accessible space and really a space for everyone who can come and they can come and enjoy it. They can have fantastic views of the city that you've never seen before in this space."
Adisoke is a shared partnership between the Ottawa Public Library and Library and Archives Canada (LAC). Lisa Tremblay-Goodyear says there will be a Heritage Lounge, Learning Lofts, genealogy research areas, as well as a shared Indigenous Circle Lounge.
A look at progress inside Ottawa's new central library, Adisoke, which is now more than 50 per cent complete. May 13, 2024. (Leah Larocque/CTV News Ottawa)
"What is special (about the space) is that we want to make sure that this is a place for everyone. So it could be about researching your ancestors, but it also could be about researching your home, your place, your community."
Orléans East-Cumberland Coun. Matt Luloff is the chair of the city's library board, and says the cost of construction is not expected to increase and is on time for a 2026 opening.
Luloff says most work should be done at the beginning of 2026, in order for collections to then move in. "A substantial completion because obviously it's going to take some time for us to animate the space, Library and Archives Canada moving in the Genealogy Center, being set up, bringing the collections and moving out of our old space and into our new space."
Luloff calls the Adisoke "a wonderful space," and says it will be a highlight for locals and visitors to the city. "I can't believe the amount of progress since I was here in October. Like to see some of the some of the features coming in, the stair cases coming in. To be able to picture, what I've been looking at in renderings for the past three and a half years, seeing this come to life is quite an experience," he says.
A look at progress inside Ottawa's new central library, Adisoke, which is now more than 50 per cent complete. May 13, 2024. (Leah Larocque/CTV News Ottawa)
urbottawa
Active Member
Westbro
New Member
If any photo nerds are out this weekend, you get a pretty perspective from the Bronson and Slater intersection that I am not seeing anywhere yet. The nice Zibi tower is framed by the library which itself looks monumental from that perspective..
If you look back at my post April 4th, you'll see that angle. Decent progress since then though.
pgagnon
Active Member
That shot really shows the density we have in the CBD, too bad it just doesn't have more height 
originalmuffins
Active Member
It'll only look better once we see that last Marriott tower come up at 400 Slater. Plus the lots right in front of the Library will connect the rest of Lebreton more into the core, which will be very very nice. Cannot wait to see what's going up on those lots.That shot really shows the density we have in the CBD, too bad it just doesn't have more height
The Escarpment could be the densest area in all of Ottawa, even before Moon and Relevé/Renaissance Apartments and Vista on Sparks. The 2021 population of Downtown (bordered by the Ottawa River, the escarpment/Bronson, Gloucester, City Hall and the Canal) was 5.5k. Remove Re Residence, the 20-some apartments in the Morguard Building, the Mondrian, the Slate, the Carlisle, Minto Apartments and the building on Kent and Gloucester, you're left with maybe 4k in the Escarpment District. At a quarter square kilometer, that's 16k/square kilometer. Could easily reach 20k/square kilometer with the aforementioned new projects.That shot really shows the density we have in the CBD, too bad it just doesn't have more height