Ottawa’s CF Rideau Centre celebrated the completion of a $360 million redevelopment that spanned three years.
During the final step of the multi-phase project, four levels were added to the 33-year-old shopping centre, featuring 28 retail spaces, with 21 new retailers and restaurants.
“The expansion and interior renovations include the addition of best-in-class retailers, enhanced dining options, a modern retail experience throughout the property and public art on the building façade to inspire the local community and visitors to our nation’s capital from around the world,” said Wayne Barwise, executive vice-president of development for Cadillac Fairview.
New retailers include Simons, Anthropologie, Massimo Dutti and other leading brands. Interior renovations of the existing Centre feature new quartz flooring, enhanced lighting, glass railings as well as updated washrooms, wayfinding and modern amenities. Customers can access mobile charging stations, faster and free WiFi and CF SHOP! Text, a text-message-based concierge service, which provides customer access to directions, information and store suggestions with the click of a button.
Cindy VanBuskirk, general manager of CF Rideau Centre, looks forward to how the redevelopment will economically and culturally reenergize downtown Ottawa.
The building’s exterior façade is now highlighted by Time’s Shadow, a stunning glass triptych by Catherine Widgery that represents the changing seasons and covers more than 11,000 square feet.
Beginning in 2014, the revitalization resulted in significant façade enhancements along Rideau Street, including a refurbished Ogilvy Building heritage façade. Other upgrades include, the restoration of the Freiman Bridge connecting CF Rideau Centre and Hudson’s Bay and three direct light rail transit access points to Rideau Station, a key stop along OC Transpo’s new Confederation Line for added commuter convenience.
