After 17 years, work begins on Somerset House

It was 2007 when Ottawa’s Somerset House at Bank and Somerset was last fully standing.

To put that into perspective the first iPhone was just released, Facebook and Twitter went global, and the Kindle was just created. On the local level, Ottawa’s North-south light rail project was cancelled, Mayor Larry O’Brien was facing controversy for his leadership style, and Kanye West played at Bluesfest. 

It was a long time ago. So why did it take so long for restoration work to begin on the heritage building?

Let’s go back a bit: Somerset House’s creation came in 1896, and since that time it’s had a few purposes — a dry goods store called Crosby, Carruthers Company, then the Ritz Hotel, and lastly, the Duke of Somerset Pub. It’s currently part of the Centretown Heritage Conservation District and is part of the Queen Anne style of architecture. 

• Capital History has a fascinating article looking back at the buildings rich history. 

After the building was sold, it suffered a partial collapse in 2007, which led to demolition of the eastern half of the building. Throughout the years, there were fears the whole structure would need to come down, but luckily it was saved. 

Proposals that went nowhere: In 2017, a plan was brought forward that would see the building return to its former glory. Heritage Ottawa wasn’t in favour of the drawings, though, stating it was too modern with a glass wall. It did get a nod from the city’s heritage committee but was cancelled a year later.  At the time, area councillor Catherine McKenney said they were incredibly frustrated by the decision and encouraged the city to buy the property. 

Moving forward: That brings us to 2023 when the building’s owner brought forward similar plans — but with some minor changes. It would still have retail on the ground floor and two residential storeys with a total of 14 units. The main change would be more brick and less glass on the Somerset side of the building. 

• By the numbers: Nineteen orders have been issued under the Building Code Act for the property since 2007, and there have been 31 requests for service about the property since 2012, according to a city report in 2023. There had also been 31 calls to bylaw, resulting in 11 violation notices and six property standards orders.

The building is finally getting a facelift 

Construction machinery is finally moving in and concrete has been poured. It’s the first sign of major work on the property since its collapse 17 years ago.  

• “The Somerset House project supports downtown revitalization, new rental housing, and the preservation of heritage properties—key Council objectives. The renewed Somerset House will preserve its historic facade, add 14 rental units, include ground-floor retail, and contribute to local parkland,” said Somerset Coun. Ariel Troster in a Bluesky post. 

Next steps: The first part of the project is to repair and stabilize the existing building. All permits have been issued for the project to get completed, notes the city, but because it’s on private property, it’s up to the building's owner as to when it wants to carry out the work. At this point there is no timeline for the project's completion.