If you are familiar with the architecture of Ottawa’s downtown core, you may not be inclined to say that our streets are lined with the most elegant or grand apartment buildings. Yet while they may not compare to the towers of such cities as New York, Chicago, or even Toronto, if you take the time to walk the streets of some of Ottawa’s oldest neighbourhoods – such as the Golden Triangle or Centretown – you might just spot an architectural gem. Ottawa’s most historic and iconic buildings – The Duncannon (216 Metcalfe), The Mayfair (260 Metcalfe) or the Windsor Arms (150 Argyle) – are among this select group of historical residences that have even been referred to as Ottawa’s ‘Grand Dames’ of architecture.
But what interests me the most are the unique and varied names of these apartment buildings and complexes. Each time I walk by a building where the name has been architecturally integrated, meaning that it has been either engraved or carved into stone, permanently attached to the building, or etched into the glass, I think to myself about the stories of all of the people that these buildings have housed over their lives. This is of even greater interest to me in Ottawa, as many individuals who shaped our country, including prominent and influential leaders such as John Diefenbaker and Tommy Douglas, were among the residents of Ottawa’s historic and classically named apartment buildings.
And many of Ottawa’s vintage apartments have faired well into the 21st century, with The Mayfair, The Windsor Arms, and The Duncannon still among some of the most desirable locations in Ottawa today. This is due to the fact that even for those buildings that have begun to look a little worn, their names hold strong, as it seems that no matter what the buildings may have endured, their monikers serve as a reminder of their original grandeur.
So if you happen to find yourself meandering the streets of downtown Ottawa, exploring some of the oldest neighbourhoods dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, remember to look up. And be sure to enjoy some of the unique and interesting names that grace the facades and hang above many apartment doorways.
Have any of these iconic and charming buildings, or their names, caught your attention?
For a look at some of Ottawa’s oldest residences still available for rent, including the Windsor Arms, please visit here
Story by Brynne Campbell