Following a slate of revisions and reductions to the scope and scale of the proposed expansion of the historic Château Laurier in Ottawa, architectsAlliance have published yet another round of revised plans, which would see the addition of limestone accents to the otherwise glass box addition which would be built to the rear of the hotel.

Château Laurier expansion, with limestone accents, image via architectsAlliance

One storey shorter, and outfitted with a series of vertical limestone fins serving to offset the stark visual contrast that previously existed between the original structure and the modern addition, the most recent redesign has come a long way in terms of satisfying local architects and heritage experts. 

Limestone fins to add a sense of solidity to expansion, image via architectsAlliance

Reduced to seven storeys from eight, and down to 164 rooms from 171, the expansion will replace the old parking garage to the rear of the hotel, but will make up for the deficiency by adding space for 349 cars underground. 

Redesigned addition (left) to feature improved sightlines, image via architectsAlliance

Earning a modicum of praise from the design review panel, and in particular from Heritage Ottawa, who claimed the previous design "had all the charm of a box store," the latest redesign has been reported by the City on behalf of ERA Architects, to be representative of a "positive and context-sensitive design evolution" for the historic hotel. 

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