Jan

Little Italy, Not So Little Anymore

Electric, vibrant and one of Ottawa’s favourite neighbourhoods, Little Italy, is not so little anymore. From it’s small and modest beginnings to an integral cultural hub in Ottawa, featuring trendy boutiques, fine dining, and luxury living, Little Italy has seen exponential growth in recent years. While this neighbourhood has grown and expanded over the years it hasn’t lost its charm and tight-knit community appeal.

Let’s take a closer look at Little Italy’s past, present and future. . .

PAST

Little Italy first got its start when Italian immigrants originally settled into the area in the early 1900s. The second wave of immigrants then settled in the area over a decade later, around 1913. It was at this time that the Italian community founded the St. Anthony of Padua Church, which quickly became the cornerstone of the Italian community.

What was once a predominately Italian community soon became home to Irish, French and Asian descendants, making Little Italy an inclusive, vibrant, multi-ethnic community, that is home to many.

While Little Italy is home to an array of cultures and ethnicities, the heart and core of the community is still very much Italian and proudly so. The community hosts Italian heritage festival and events each year, with it’s the major one being the Italian Week Festival that has taken place each year since 1975.

In honour of its Italian heritage, the community has also given two predominant streets in the neighbourhood Italian street names. Preston Street, which is viewed as the main artery through Little Italy has been given the name Corso Italia, and Gladstone Avenue, another main artery, is honoured as Via Marconi.

PRESENT

Currently, home to festivals, boutiques, restaurants, and a unique energetic vibe, Little Italy is an electric community that is thriving, and everyone wants to be a part of this urban oasis right here in Ottawa.

As briefly mentioned above, Italian Week Festival which has been taking place since 1975 is a major celebration every year that draws thousands upon thousands to flock to Little Italy. This festival brings guests from near and far and offers them the opportunity to “be Italian” and honour all the Italian culture, history, art and food that the neighbourhood has to offer.

If you’re are a foodie and also into the restaurant scene, Little Italy is the place to be. With a wide range of options catering to everyone, this neighbourhood is a great place to be whether you’re looking for a fine-dining experience or a place to meet up for brunch. Italian food, French food, Greek food, Thai food or Indian food, it’s really all here. There are so many great options in Little Italy, some popular ones include; Giovanni’s, EVOO Greek Kitchen, Flap Jacks Pancake Shack, RAW Pulp + Grind, Two Six {Ate}, Pure Kitchen, Stoneface Dolly’s, Pub Italia, The Moonroom, Heart & Crown, and Di Rienzo Grocery & Deli, just to name a few.

Not just for the foodie and restaurant connoisseur but also for those who want to have a good time. Home to some great entertainment including, Absolute Comedy, Murder Mystery Ottawa and the Gladstone Theater, it is never a dull moment. Or looking for a place to get your sweat on, this neighbourhood features yoga studios, martial arts gyms, and a number of fitness studios.

Be it summer or winter, Little Italy is ideal for any season! In the summer Preston Street is lined with patios and Dows Lake is just at the end of the street, along with bike paths and the canal to enjoy. In the winter heading to Dows Lake to go skating and then making your way up Preston to grab a hot drink is a Capital tradition not to be missed out on.

Little Italy is ideally situated in walking distance to Dow’s Lake and neighbouring neighbourhoods, including’ LeBreton Flats, Hintonburg and Centretown. With events such as Winterlude, Bluesfest and the Tulip Festival just minutes away everything you could ever need is all at your fingertips.

Even with all the expansion and continued development, Little Italy has managed to keep its community charm that has drawn many people to the neighbourhood in the first place. With many of the businesses in the community family owned and run, Little Italy still has the same charm and welcoming feeling today as it did when the community first got established, making it an easy place to feel like you’re right at home.

Current developments in the area are offering residences a chance to live in one of Ottawa’s most loved neighbourhoods.

Claridge Icon

Currently under construction, Claridge Icon will be an astounding 45 stories offering amazing views of the city. Under the design of one of Canada’s most distinguished architect firms, Hariri Pontarini, Claridge Icon is adding an extra oomph to Little Italy. Offering one and two bedrooms to it’s residences; one-bedroom units start at $598/sqft, one bedroom plus den at $592/sqft and two bedrooms at $639/sqft making the building average at $609/sqft.

Sky Condos

Sky Condos, a Richcraft group development, is currently in it’s planning phase and will soon be offering Little Italy Ottawa’s tallest residential building. The development will actually be comprised of a trio of towers which in total will create Sky Condos. With a staggering 1,120 units, ground floor commercial space and a large plaza, Sky Condos are going to be offering so much to the Little Italy community.

SoHo Italia

Right at the gateway of Little Italy comes SoHo Italia. Offering mesmerizing views of Dows Lake, a convenient location to all the action and a place for its residences to work, live and play. SoHo Italia is bringing luxury 21st-century condo living right to Little Italy.

SoHo Champagne

SoHo Champagne, offering city living at its finest right in Little Italy. The epitome of luxury and high-end living offered, SoHo Champagne will be redefining the condo game in not just Little Italy, but in all of Ottawa. Floor-to-ceiling windows and skyline views that can’t be beaten, SoHo Champagne has one bedroom units starting at $499/sqft, two bedrooms at $507/sqft, rounding out the building average to $503/sqft.

Hom

From fitness studios, terrace retreat gardens to dog washing stations, Hom truly is home. Entirely LEED silver certified, Hom offers its residences an impeccable standard of living quality. Steps away to all the restaurants, shops, and fun Little Italy has to offer and with numerous suite options, there is something for everyone. An average one bedroom is $455/sqft an average 2 bedroom runs at $435/sqft, making the building average $445/sqft.

Radcliffe

With views of Dow’s lake and Queen Juliana Park you might never want to leave the Radcliffe, but with a location just minutes from some of Ottawa’s hotspots, including, Little Italy, it is fun to venture out. Minutes from Little Italy, residences of the Radcliffe get to enjoy all the latest foodie places to eat, hit the trendy shops, hop on the walking and bike trails and soak up the community vibes. The Radcliffe offers one bedroom suites at $499/sqft and two bedroom suites at $507/sqft making the building average $503/sqft.

Norfolk

Norfolk offers high-rise living, steps from Little Italy and Dows Lake. Featuring an exercise center, party room, security, storage lockers and suites completed with the finest of detail. Norfolk Condo has various suites available that suit every need. One bedroom units averaging at $443/sqft and two bedrooms units averaging $415/sqft. The building average at Norfolk runs at $429/sqft.

170 Preston

Right in the heart of Little Italy, One Seventy Preston offers 15 condominium suites and stands at five stories tall. Recently completed in 2018, One Seventy Preston is featuring the latest in boutique condo living. Large floor-to-ceiling windows, private balconies, and a rooftop terrace are only a few of the perks for residences who choose to make One Seventy Preston their home. With exquisitely detailed floor plans and two bedroom suites averaging at $417/sqft, One Seventy Preston is a gem in the core of Little Italy.

FUTURE

New LRT Stop

The New LRT will have a stop right in the heart of Little Italy, on Gladstone, making this area even more of a hub than it currently is. The LRT stop is going to bring people, businesses and a mass amount of development to this community. It will now be easier than ever for members of the community to commute around town. It will also add ease for tourists and others to explore this cultural gem right in the Capital. With the increased foot traffic, the number of businesses increasing and development perspective soon to come, this neighbourhood is going to become more of a hotspot than it already is.

The LRT is going to give the residences in Little Italy and Ottawa an efficient, modern and more economical transit system that meets the current needs of our city and has the ability to meet future needs as well. The LRT is a smart investment in our city and will allow for manageable growth in the future. The potential for Ottawa that follows the Light Rail Transit system is undeniable. The LRT is transforming Ottawa and Little Italy is lucky to be at the forefront of such an inaugural expansion and forward moving initiative.

Rich with history, culture, and a vibrant beat, Little Italy’s future is brimmed with so much potential. With the soon-to-be LRT stop, condo developments and a steady attraction of both locals and tourists, Little Italy is marking itself on the map more and more. From small beginnings to extraordinary growth and community development, Little Italy is stealing the show in the Capital, and we are okay with that!

Green Buildings and LEED Certification in Ottawa

Nov

Green Building and LEED Certification in Ottawa

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design

There is no doubt that buildings are responsible for a vast amount of carbon dioxide emissions and energy use within our community and on a global scale. With an increased rate of builds that doesn’t seem to be declining anytime soon, there is a societal demand to create a more sustainable solution. LEED or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design offers new builds, existing builds and homeowners to take part in their green build initiative. A demand for more sustainable living and working conditions, LEED certification presents its clients with a solution that is both energy efficient and cost-effective.

LEED certification is a third party, globally recognized rating system that is recognized as a mark of excellence and sustainability accomplishment for green builds. LEED certification has become a standard of measurements for green builds in 160+ countries and is raising awareness, fostering creative solutions to sustainable living and offering a more healthful and environmental conscious resolution to the building industry.

Working on a point scale, LEED offers four levels of certification to its clients; certified, silver, gold and platinum. With four levels of certification, LEED is adaptable and accommodating to a wide range of buildings and projects, making it available to any fit and project goal.

Points are allotted to each project based on five major categories that have environmental impacts and human benefits. The five categories include; sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources and indoor environmental quality. The goal of the ranking system is to inspire and help as many builds as possible strive for a high level of achievement in each of these categories.

Why LEED? LEED certification and green builds not only benefit the buildings occupants and/or homeowners but the community at large. Green builds facilitate a healthier environment from the inside out, producing better air quality, more natural light, reduction of waste, decreased water consumption and energy conservation. Green builds create a more healthful environment, boost production and leave a green legacy, all a driving factor of LEED certification. As an industry that can do more harm than good, it is time for homeowners and project builds to become more consciously and environmentally aware and it is LEED’s aim to do just that.

The History of LEED

The goal from the start was to educate builders and to help them establish responsible construction practices. Robert Watson set out to change the building market in 1993 with the hopes of defining green building. LEED’s environmental movement continued to raise awareness and competition for the construction of environmentally and sustainable friendly buildings. Over the years LEED’s standard has grown into a complete and comprehensive classification system that covers a large portion of the development and construction process.

Since 2015 LEED builds in Canada alone has led to energy savings of 12.9 million eMWh, which is enough energy to power 435,000 homes in Canada for an entire year and water savings totalling 24+ billion litres. LEED builds have also contributed to recycling over 2.97 million tonnes of construction waste and a reduction of 2.49 million CO2e in greenhouse gas emissions. These astounding results only continue as more and more businesses, project leads, and homeowners turn to this green solution.

LEED certification continues to incorporate and adapt as new green technologies come onto the market, which is part of what makes it such a comprehensive and globally sought-after initiative.

Why is LEED Certification relevant today?

LEED certification is more relevant and needed today than ever. We are living in a society and a time where build after build, project after project is going up and our environment and health continue to be impacted because of it.

There are countless reasons why buildings should seriously consider being a green build and doing their part in helping to create a sustainable earth. LEED is an innovative answer to this societal push for eco-friendly living, human well-being and sustainability. LEED offers its clients practical ways to achieve sustainable eco-conscious living, save money and promote public health and a more supported and sustainable environment.

This internationally recognized ranking system proves its relevancy because it is not just a system that is designed for one type of build over another, it offers options to projects of any kind; from large government buildings to hospitals to new builds – there is something for every project of every size. There is even an option for single, low-rise or mid-rise family homes to take part and get involved.

Not only is this a world-class ranking system for inspiring and fostering solutions for single structures, but it also applies to whole neighbourhood development projects (containing residential use, non-residential use or a mix) from inception to build, including neighbourhood redevelopment. From a neighbourhood to an entire city, LEED is for the community. Working with the entire city or neighbourhoods within the city, LEED can measure and manage the city’s energy use, water use, waste, transportation and total human experience and offer improvements.

Why do we need an organizational environmental measuring system, such as LEED more than ever before? According to the City of Ottawa, almost 50% of greenhouse gas emissions come from heating, cooling, lighting and operating buildings? By a new or existing building becoming LEED certified by the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) occupants have better air quality reducing allergens, financial savings and increased resale value. Certified LEED builds can also qualify for local utility rebates and homeowner reductions through various insurance groups and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). Most importantly, projects who get involved are doing their part to achieve a more sustainable environment and improving the lives and well-being of the occupants of the building.

With regular evaluations and modifications to adapt to advancing and evolving technology, LEED is and will continue to be compatible and well suited for everyone and every project. The continuous assessment of the existing rating system and application of new science and technology will not only continue to make LEED relevant in this industry it will continue to be at the forefront of green builds.

Who is LEED certified in Ottawa?

With the benefits far too great to ignore, several builds in Ottawa have jumped on board and have been recognized by LEED for their level of excellence in their contribution to the advancement and betterment of sustainable living and working conditions.

LEED Certified Silver

The following developments have ranked Silver on the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design ranking system, meaning they have earned 50-59 points in the following five categories; sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources and indoor environmental quality.

LeBreton Flats Phase 1 – Received LEED Silver certification January 29^th, 2014
Hom – Received LEED Silver certification December 10^th, 2015
One3One Holland – Received LEED Silver certification December 10^th, 2015
LeBreton Flats Phase 2 – Received LEED Silver certification October 21^st, 2016

LEED Certified Gold

The following developments have ranked Gold on the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design ranking system, meaning they have earned 60-79 points in the following five categories; sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources and indoor environmental quality.

Central Phase 1 – Received LEED Gold certification July 9^th, 2014
Central Phase 2 – Received LEED Gold certification December 14^th, 2016
The Rideau – Received LEED Gold certification January 18^th, 2018
The Vibe – Received LEED Gold certification January 18^th, 2018

Prominent LEED Buildings in Ottawa

There are several prominent and outstanding LEED-certified condos in Ottawa that have been recognized for their commitment and efforts, in the above mentioned five categories, to improve the quality of life and wellbeing for their residences.

One3One Holland was certified a Silver LEED building on December 10^th, 2015. One3One Holland is distinguished for its efforts and contributions to create a sustainable, environmentally friendly and more health conscious atmosphere for their residences. A one bedroom at One3One averages $441/sqft and a two-bedroom averages $448 sqft.

Central Phase 2 also a highly distinguished certified LEED condo in Ottawa, as of December 14^th, 2016 sits at a prestigious Gold level certified showing its dedication to its residences. A bachelor at Central Phase 2 averages $475/sqft and a one-bedroom averages $474/sqft.

Another prominent condo in Ottawa, that has been noted for its great efforts and green build achievements, The Rideau was certified LEED Gold, January 18^th, 2018. The Rideau offers one bedroom averaging $565/sqft, two bedrooms $660/sqft and Penthouse suites averaging at $811/sqft.

The Vibe in Ottawa is also to be noted for its mark of excellence on achieving LEED Gold certification on January 18^th, 2018, offering its residences a higher quality of wellbeing and eco-conscious solutions. One bedroom units at The Vibe average at $547/sqft and two bedrooms for $600/sqft.

Since the first certified LEED building in Ottawa, The Currents, which became officially certified on January 18^th, 2011 many other projects and developments have followed suit and have seen the tremendous benefits of taking part in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and getting certified themselves.

What is the future of LEED Certification?

As more and more people become consciously aware of the building industry’s impact on the environment and people’s health and wellbeing, there is only going to be a bigger demand. LEED and its ranking system have inspired so many and will only continue to inspire more green builds and spread awareness throughout Ottawa and the world.

The latest model, LEED v4 is the future of LEED certification and has upped the expectations on all levels of a build; right from project inception to project completion. Running now off a more performance-based approach, LEED v4 offers knowledge to its customers and then offers practical solutions on how to apply the newly learned knowledge. This knowledge is then measured in the form of practical tasks complete, which offers more goal focused points based on each unique project.

LEED v4 is showing major improvements on:

Flexibility – now offering more flexibility with different tactics to offer each unique build and project to allow each development to find the best fit.

Smart Grid Approach – LEED v4 is bringing a smart grid style to its customers and is recognizing and rewarding the projects that contribute to and engage in demand response programs.

Materials & Resources – Now emphasizing materials and resources used on a project and beyond the total amount used, creating a more whole and comprehensive look at the structural impact.

Water – Offering a more complete strategy to utilize water efficiency by assessing the entire buildings water usage.

Better customer service – now offering a more effective and efficient certification system process, easing customer use.

Since the inauguration of LEED certification, there has been a remarkable amount of growth and improvement shown to cater to the rapidly evolving social climate that is demanding solutions for providing a better quality of life and a more sustainable way to live. Not only does LEED continue to find and adapt efficiently to these needs and demands but does so in a cost-effective way.

LEED, Leading the Way

The demand for a more sustainable, energy-efficient, cost-effective and healthier way to live is only going to escalate as society continues to expand and more people become aware of the environmental and human impact that takes place with expansion.

LEED certification is at the forefront of this huge societal push and is acting as a paradigm to initiate, inspire and drive the industry to do better, be better and offer better. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design is trailblazing the way to establish an industry that sets standards and places a high value on more conscious buildings, living and working environments.

Tag: HOM Condo Ottawa