Architecture of the Chateau Laurier

Come for a walk around Ottawa's iconic grand hotel. We will consider the building structure, architectural style and architects from the original design proposals and 1912 building by the Grand Trunk Railway, the 1927 expansion by Canadian National Railways, other changes over the last fifty years,  and the current proposals to replace the 1960s-era parking garage with a hotel addition facing Major's Hill Park and the Ottawa River. 

Location
Route

We'll meet on the plaza beside the future Senate (former Union Station) on the south side of Rideau St. across from the Chateau Laurier.  From this first viewpoint in front of the Chateau, we will cross Rideau St. to the front of the hotel, then go down the steps to the canal-side public terrace and up the steps into Major's Hill Park at the north end of the terrace.  We will then circle around the east side of the hotel and cross Mackenzie Ave to the top of the York Steps.   We'll walk south on Mackenzie Ave to Rideau Street. There are eight important views of the Chateau along this route. 

Participants, note:  

This walk will end just as our Apres-Jane drop-in gets going at the NAC.  You are all invited to join us in the new Atrium to meet other walkers and volunteers,  share your experience of the weekend,  and discuss ways to make Ottawa even better for everyone!  Enter through the Kipnes Lantern on Elgin St.

About the walk leader

David Jeanes is president of Heritage Ottawa and has studied railway station and hotel architecture for many years. He is a frequent tour guide for Heritage Ottawa and had led a number of Jane's Walks and other heritage tours in Ottawa. 

Peter Coffman is an architectural photographer and historian and Associate Professor in the History and Theory of Architecture program at Carleton University.  He is a director of Heritage Ottawa and is past president of the Society for the Study of Architecture in Canada.

Guide:

David Jeanes & ................................Peter Coffman

When:
Date:Sun May 6, 2018
Time:3:30 PM
Duration: 1 hour
Language: English
Where:
Start:Rideau St, south side ...............................above the Canal
End:Rideau St & Mackenzie Ave
Area:Centretown/Byward Market
Distance:0.0 kms
Accessibility:

There are two flights of ten steps each down to the terrace and two flights of four steps each up to Major's Hill Park. 

Gallery
Volunteer to Marshal This Walk