The massive redevelopment project, located just 150 metres from Parliament Hill, will include a minimum of 75 residential units, street-level retail businesses, some office space, as well as a possible hotel. According to the National Capital Commisison, the successful firm will be offered a 66-year lease on NCC-owned land.
The site occupies 106 to 116 Sparks St., currently housing two largely vacant buildings both owned by the NCC.
The 19th-century building at 108-116 Sparks includes the former site of the historic Centre Theatre. As part of any development proposal, its fa çade and the front three metres of the building must be preserved and restored in its current location.
According to the NCC, developers will be compelled to respect and complement the historic streetscape and buildings of Sparks Street, while strengthening its role as a pedestrian mall.
The proposed development compliments another heritage-value complex currently being built at another NCC-owned property, 131 Queen Street.