CSV worked closely with Ottawa Community Housing to redevelop their property at 211 Lees Avenue.  In 2013 the previous building, consisting of 14 two- and three-bedroom stacked townhouses, was severely damaged by fire. The replacement building provides 16 units in a range from 1- to 4-bedrooms including accessible family units. The existing foundation suffered no damage and was deemed to be in good condition, therefore the new building was designed to reuse the existing footings and basement walls. Each of the units has a separate entrance with four of the units being entered directly at grade level for improved accessibility. The units are configured to run from front to back with access to an abundance of natural light and ventilation on two sides.

Community integration

The building design is sympathetic to, and compatible with, the neighbouring buildings, using a range of materials and forms to establish a scale that mediates between the smaller single-family homes and the larger townhouse blocks in the area. Increased soft landscaping will complement the building, provide attractive and useful amenity spaces, and further soften the massing.