531 Sussex Drive - The Sussex Contemporary - Integrated Project Dossier (2017)

The Sussex Contemporary, located at 531 Sussex Drive in the Byward Market of downtown Ottawa, has been a part of the Ottawa core since 1852 when it was constructed. Originally developed as a hardware and supply store, the building remains a key component in the Byward courtyard composition functioning as an Art Gallery. In 1964 the NCC acquired the block as part of its “mile of history” initiative to create a harmonious streetscape between Parliament Hill and Rideau Hall. Unfortunately, the building suffered from a devastating fire in 1980. Afterwards, it was reimagined with the history of the confederation-era architecture in mind to become what it is today. Both a wonderful example of the late 19th-century architecture at the time and interspersed elements of the Italianate and Second Empire styles, the building has managed to hold true to its history while reflecting the progression of society over time. To this day the original 1870’s façade, brick retaining wall and mansard roof has been preserved as a part of Ottawa’s rich history and act as key character-defining elements of the building and its history. In essence, the building itself is not historically significant from defining events or a critical example of a significant architectural style, rather, the site at 531 Sussex Dr represents a thread from an overarching tapestry that reflects the historical progression of the Byward Market and Ottawa core as a whole. The contextual significance of the building is unquestionable and essential to the historical preservation of the Byward Courtyard. This project focused on recording the elements that make up the Sussex Contemporary at 531 Sussex Dr. Most of the building was recorded, however, the main floor was the focus of the project. This is the Integrated Project Dossier compiled by a group of undergraduate students of the Architectural Conservation and Sustainability Program (Engineers and architects) at Carleton University for the CIVE3207 (ARCN4100) Historic Site Recording and Assessment course in 2017.