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Central Chambers: A Glimpse into Ottawa's Past

Explore Ottawa's architectural heritage at Central Chambers, a stunning example of Queen Anne Revival design in a historic downtown setting.

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Central Chambers National Historic Site, located in the heart of Ottawa, is a striking example of Queen Anne Revival architecture. Built in 1890-1891, this six-story building has witnessed Ottawa's evolution and stands as a testament to the city's rich heritage.

A brief summary to Central Chambers National Historic Site of Canada

  • 40 Elgin St, Ottawa, Byward Market - Parliament Hill, Ontario, K1P 1C7, CA

Local tips

  • Visit during the weekdays to avoid crowds and enjoy a more intimate experience.
  • Combine your visit with nearby attractions like Parliament Hill and the National War Memorial for a full day of exploration.
  • Bring your camera to capture the beautiful architecture and historical details.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Confederation Square, walk north along Elgin Street. Central Chambers is located on the east side of Elgin Street, at the corner of Queen Street, adjacent to Bell Block. The site is easily visible with its historic architecture.

  • Public Transport

    Take OC Transpo bus routes that converge at the downtown area. Routes 1, 2, 6, 14 will take you close to Elgin Street. Disembark at the 'Elgin St & Queen St' stop. From there, it is a short walk north on Elgin Street to reach Central Chambers. A single bus fare costs approximately $3.75 CAD.

  • Car

    From Highway 417, follow the signs for downtown Ottawa and Elgin Street. Central Chambers is located at 40 Elgin St. Paid parking is available at nearby locations, including the Rideau Centre, the National Arts Centre, and Ottawa City Hall. Street parking is also available but may incur a fee. Parking garages in the area charge hourly/daily rates.

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Discover more about Central Chambers National Historic Site of Canada

Central Chambers National Historic Site of Canada, gracing the corner of Elgin and Queen Streets in Ottawa, is a captivating landmark that embodies the Queen Anne Revival style in commercial architecture. Constructed between 1890 and 1893, the building was designed by J.J. Browne for Edward Seybold and James Gibson. Its location is a key element framing Confederation Square, near the National War Memorial. The six-story structure features a facade of red brick, decorative tile, and metal framing. Large arched windows on the ground floor provided ample daylight and maximized commercial display space. The building's design includes bay windows and Palladian windows set within decorative pediments. Originally built for commercial purposes, Central Chambers housed upscale commercial premises on the ground floor and combined commercial and office spaces above. Later, it served as an office for the Canadian Atlantic Railway and now houses the National Capital Commission. The NCC purchased the building in the 1960s. Vacant for many years, renovations began in 1992, integrating the facade into a new office tower complex. Today, Central Chambers remains a dominant presence in Confederation Square.

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