Vittoria Trattoria's reconstruction taking shape
ByWard market eatery, neighbouring building heavily damaged by fire in April
Ten months after fire severely damaged a restaurant and other shops in the heart of Ottawa's historic ByWard Market, the public is getting a first glimpse of the buildings being proposed to take their place.
On Tuesday, Ottawa's built heritage subcommittee discussed architectural plans submitted by the owners of Vittoria Trattoria at 35 and 37 William St., and its next-door neighbour at No. 41.
- Fire in Ottawa's historic ByWard Market under control
- 'A storied history': 35 William St. a microcosm of the market
Fire destroyed the two properties in April 2019 while the restaurant was undergoing roof repairs.
"It's been an emotional roller-coaster," said Vittoria Trattoria's co-owner, Domenic Santaguida.
William Street, lined with two-storey, flat-roofed commercial buildings, has been a busy commercial row since the mid-1800s. City staff have been working with property owners since the fire to shore up façades or make plans to reconstruct them in a way that will still "evoke the character of the traditional storefronts" of the heritage district.
The owners of Vittoria Trattoria want to build a four-storey addition of residential apartments behind the restaurant, at 62 York St.
The subcommittee approved their applications and heritage permits, and has sent them on to planning committee and city council for further approval later this month.
"We're pleased. It's one check mark out of about 20 before we're able to put the shovel in the ground," Santaguida said.
He said his main focus is reopening the restaurant, but doesn't see that happening until Spring 2021.
