Written by Rachel Hopper & Quinn Goodwin
Hard-lofts are unique, and hard to find - especially in Ottawa. Owning a rare property that doubles as a piece of history? No wonder these properties are some of the hottest places to live in the city!
The CBG team has compiled a list of our top picks in this category to help you find the perfect space to call home.
19 Melrose Avenue
Building History
Originally built as a Francophone school in 1912, and continued as a school for 100 years.
This school is a fixture in history as it represents a controversial moment where parents fought the government to maintain the right to teach their children strictly in French.
Although the building has a new use and modernized layout, its schoolhouse character was preserved as a legacy to the Ottawa community and history.
Style of Unit
In 2009 the school was converted into a hard-loft building by The Regional Group and Douglas Hardie Architects. Although the building was updated, it maintained some of its original design and stylistic elements, including schoolhouse inspired windows and the original clay canopy entrance.
The units themselves boast two levels, open concept layouts, 12 foot ceilings, exposed brick and double doors leading to private balconies.
Recent Sales (sourced from MLS®)
Apr. 2022 - two bedroom two bathroom unit $860,000
May 2021 - one bedroom one bathroom unit $499,000
Average Price Per Sqft (sourced from Condo Dork)
$538 / ft²
Neighbourhood Influences:
In the trendy Hintonburg neighbourhood, just steps from restaurants, coffee shops and many other incredible amenities
Walking distance to both Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway & Westboro Beach, boarders Westboro and Chinatown
CBG recommends grabbing local wine & artisan pizza on the Tennessy Willems’ patio
174 Stanley Avenue
Building History
Built in 1936, “Archives Square” was formally used as the City of Ottawa Archives until its condo conversion in 1999.
Style of Unit
3 storey building, 11 one, two or three single-storey units
Recent Sales (sourced from MLS®)
ACTIVE - one bedroom unit two bathroom unit $650,000
Jun. 2021 - two bedroom two bathroom unit $540,000
Neighbourhood Influences:
Located in the quiet neighbourhood of New Edinburgh, home to several embassies and around the corner from many restaurants and coffee shops
Across the street from beautiful Stanley Park
Incredible views of Parliament, Ottawa River and Gatineau Hills; take in the very best Ottawa has to offer
CBG Recommends grabbing authentic tacos at Ola Cocina Taqueria
12 Stirling Avenue
Building History
Historic schoolhouse originally built in 1933, and converted as a condo development in 2015 by renowned Ottawa architect, Barry Hobin. This building is commonly known as “Yard & Station”.
Style of Unit
3 storey building with 9 1-storey units, each with own private access elevator and open concept living spaces ranging from two to three bedrooms
Recent Sales (sourced from MLS®)
Jun. 2020 - 2 bedroom 2 bathroom unit $1,425,000
Sept. 2014 - 2 bedroom 2 bathroom unit $834,000
Average Price Per Sqft (sourced from Condo Dork)
$631 / ft²
Neighbourhood Influences:
In the trendy Hintonburg neighbourhood, just steps from restaurants, coffee shops and many other incredible amenities
Walking distance to both Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway & Westboro Beach, boarders Westboro and Chinatown
CBG Recommends grabbing Nashville-style fried chicken sandwiches at Holly’s Hot Chicken
589 Rideau Street
Building History
Commonly known as the Wallis House, this historical building is a former hospital built in 1873 and the oldest residential building in Ottawa
Converted in 1996, this building is rich with history and original charm
Style of Unit
The building maintains its original Victorian style as well as many other features from the original design. No two units are alike, although most units have two levels, high ceilings, open concept living spaces, exposed brick walls and a gas fireplace.
Recent Sales (sourced from MLS®)
Apr. 2022 - 1 bedroom 1.5 bathroom unit $487,000
Oct. 2021 - 1 bedroom 1 bathroom unit $430,000
Average Price Per Sqft (sourced from Condo Dork)
$656 / ft²
Neighbourhood Influences:
Walking distance to Byward Market, rich with extensive restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries, grocery and convenience stores
Rideau Shopping Centre only a short walk away, with shopping for all interests
CBG Recommends packing a picnic and posting up at MacDonald Gardens Park
95 Beech Street
Building History
Also known as the Warehouse Lofts, this luxurious factory conversion built 100 years ago in Little Italy had many uses, including a former Jeans Co. in the 1980s.
The building was converted by Craig Callan Jones to condominiums in 2000. The name of the project was “The Warehouse Lofts”.
Style of Unit
The Warehouse Lofts are truly one of a kind, and rich with history. The original factory design is reflected throughout in this “oak post and beam” condominium, with large industrial windows, skylights, exposed beams and brick. Each unit boasts two-storeys, fantastic architectural features and private terrace.
Recent Sales (sourced from MLS®)
Feb. 2022 - 2 bedroom 1 bathroom unit $627,500
Aug. 2021 - 2 bedroom 2 bathroom unit $689,000
Average Price Per Sqft (sourced from Condo Dork)
$538 / ft²
Neighbourhood Influences:
Located in the heart of Ottawa's trendy Little Italy, just steps to fine dining, convenience, pubs and entertainment
Bike paths located directly behind the building and along Queen Elizabeth Drive and the Carling O-Train stop is just around the corner.
CBG Recommends grabbing a late-night cocktail at intimate Moonroom