This rendering shows what the soon-to-be-built Greystone Village Retirement Residence at 225 Scholastic Dr. should look like from the North East corner of the property. This image was included in the proposal submitted to the City of Ottawa in 2017.
Image by Neuf Architects
By Meridith Newberry
A new retirement residence is coming to Old Ottawa East next year. Construction on the residence in Greystone Village is scheduled to begin as early as March 2018 with rental units available in mid-2019, according to Jennifer Martel, a partner at Greystone Village Retirement Residence (GVRR).
The partners at GVRR purchased approximately three-quarters of an acre of property along the river in Greystone Village. The plan, which required variance approvals for its oversized building, has been approved by the City of Ottawa’s Committee of Adjustment.
The plan is for 146 residences within three buildings which are two-, seven- and eight-stories high in a “T-shape”.
Martel says the building will take advantage of Old Ottawa East’s river views by incorporating walk out patios and two rooftop terraces. Amenities are also planned for the residence. “We are planning multiple lounges, a gym, movie theatre, full-service dining room, hair salon, spa, cafe, pub. Our goal is to create a product that our residents and community will be proud to bring their family and friends to,” said Martel.
The project has been met with some challenges within the community. Additional housing for seniors is welcomed by the community, but the buildings themselves were considered just too high.
One of the biggest issues expressed by some residents, and subsequently communicated through the OECA at the Committee of Adjustment, is that a building adjacent to the Deschâtelets building should not exceed it in height. The height limit was set to ensure the heritage building will be the focal point of the Greystone Village. The community association worries that the height variance could set an increased height precedent for developments outside of this Deschâtelets block. They believe the building should be built without a variance.
“I don’t understand how a commercial company can consider buying a property if they know it will not be commercially viable,” said Ron Rose, Chair of the Community planning committee. “If they need 150 units, go find a piece of property large enough and zoned appropriately to allow them to build a 150 unit building. They should not expect us to change our carefully negotiated design plan to suit their commercial needs.”
According to Martel the final building should not encroach on any of the Deschâtelets views. “We are slightly higher than the limit, but because of the elevation, our building sits much lower than the Deschâtelets building so from Main Street you don’t even see our building. I understand that the OECA had some concerns, but our goal is to make a product that the community is really proud of.”
There will be a sales trailer set up months before the opening of the residence next year so that people can learn more about the options for rentals. Costs will range from $3900 to $6100 per month.
