Designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1981, the Fairmont Château Laurier is Ottawa's pre-eminent hotel. Located just east of the Canadian Parliament Buildings, the 429-room hotel has undergone several expansions and renovations since it was first opened in 1912. But its next major modernization is causing furor among some influential citizens of the nation's capital.

Château Laurier at dusk, image by Marcus Mitanis

Larco Investments has appointed Toronto-based architectsAlliance to a major new addition that would bring up to 200 rooms and approximately 100 parking spaces to the complex. A released statement by Larco details their plans: "The intent is to build new long-term stay suites, create a new exterior courtyard off the ballroom for seasonal use and replace the aging five-storey parking structure with an underground parking facility, all under the management of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, the luxury brand that operates the hotel."

The proposed expansion, image via Larco Investments

The new structure mimics the material palette of the historic building by incorporating a design language of Indiana limestone, glass, and copper. The two existing building wings would essentially be extended northwest towards Major's Hill Park. The scale, massing, and set back upper floors of the addition are meant to recreate the character of the original structure. 

Proposed view from Major's Hill Park, image via Larco Investments

While some online commenters found the blend between old and new architectural styles intriguing, others hurled pejorative terms at the building, calling it "ugly" and "inappropriate." Even Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson entered the discussion, calling on the design team to go "back to the drawing board."

Proposed view from Mackenzie Avenue, image via Larco Investments

The draft design was presented as part of a pre-consultation phase with community stakeholders on Wednesday. Larco has promised additional opportunities for consultation prior to submission for approval by the National Capital Commission and City of Ottawa. Construction could commence as early as the closing months of 2017, with an eye towards 2020 completion. 

The addition would rise at the rear of the building, image via Larco Investments

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Related Companies:  architects—Alliance