Iconic buildings walk
A Monopoly hotel skyscraper overshadowing an ordinary house.
The coming of the LRT in Ottawa has prompted the development of condo towers along the route. The increase in density in the downtown area is generally welcomed, and it does make sense to put these new residences near the LRT. But there are a few areas where the number of new towers planned is particularly intense. Preston Street in Little Italy is one of those areas, with two tall towers being built near the Dow's Lake end of the street and possibly more planned for the area.
This walk will look at a range of issues, ranging from the suitability of the local geology and geography to the construction of tall buildings to the changes to the local neighbourhood and social fabric that will result from increased population and density.
What effects will the presence of these buildings have on the local environment? What problems and opportunities will the residents have on the neighbourhood as they move into their new homes? How will Little Italy adapt? Will the community have difficulty integrating many new residents in a short time, or will the social network and cultural values of Little Italy embrace the newcomers and emerge even stronger?
