Somerset House renovation plan passed by heritage committee
Plans at corner of Bank and Somerset streets still need planning committee, council approval
A city heritage committee has approved a renovation plan for Somerset House, the derelict building at the corner of Somerset Street West and Bank Street.
It's been behind hoarding since a wall collapsed during renovations six years ago.
One wall of the former hotel had to be propped up by a steel frame while the property owner and the city wrangled over who should shoulder the cost.
The protracted court battle was finally settled last winter.
On Thursday morning, the Ottawa Built Heritage Advisory Committee approved a plan to restore the original, three-storey brick building — complete with bay windows and ornamental corner tower — and build a modern glass addition on the back, where the collapse occurred in 2007.
The renovation plan still needs to be approved by the city's planning committee and city council, and then the owner will have two years to get going on the work.
The renovated building will likely feature retail space at the street level with office space above.