159 Murray Street

Ecoles Guiges is located at 159 Murray Street. Built-in 1905 and completely renovated in 1997, Ecole Guigues is truly a unique building. Having originally been built as a school called Ecole Guigues, this building is now a modern low-rise loft condominium, with a historic feel. At the original time of construction, Ecole Guigues was one of the largest schools in Ottawa. The land it was built on was previously the home to Francophone Roman Catholic schools since the mid-1800s. Due to the historical events that took place in and around Ecole Guigues the building is now seen as a symbol of Francophone language rights in Ontario.

Jean Yves Pelletier, a historical consultant with the Provincial Government of the time, was quoted in an "Ottawa Citizen" article (1993) describing the building as, "One of the most powerful symbols in French Ontario today."

In 1980 Ecole Guigues was designated a heritage building in Lower Town. When the school was converted into a condominium the architect, Barry Padolsky, went with a very Richardsonian Romanesque style design. Mr. Parolsky was the recipient of the 'Award of Excellence' for restorative and reconstruction in 1997.

The four-story 14 unit building offers great views, a warm and cozy atmosphere, and a rooftop terrace. The loft-style units are exquisite with gleaming hardwood floors, high 12 ft ceilings, bright expanded windows, ceramic tile kitchen floors, fireplaces in the living rooms, and crown mouldings. This special building is located just steps away from the heartbeat of the Byward Market, offering an ample assortment of restaurants, pubs, galleries, museums, and Parliament views. Ecole Guigues is a 9-minute walk from the O-Train's Rideau Station.

Ecole Guigues | 159 Murray Street Neighbourhood Guide

Ecole Guigues is located in Lower Town. Lower Town is a neighbourhood in the Rideau-Vanier ward in the heart of Ottawa. On the east side of downtown. It is the oldest part of the city. Bounded by Rideau Street to the south, Ottawa River to the north, and the Rideau River to the east and the Rideau Canal to the west. It is right on the edge of the Byward Market.

Lower Town has a diverse population that makes it one of the city's most interesting neighbourhoods. Its main stretch along Rideau Street is very bustling and includes many businesses including a large grocery store, the Rideau Branch of the Ottawa Public Library, and an Orthodox Jewish synagogue. Lower Town is home to young professionals and families who seek to be near their work and the attractions of the Byward Market and Parliament Hill.

Prior to the shopping malls and suburbanization of today, Rideau Street west of King Edward was the primary shopping area of Ottawa. To the north, the Byward Market area continues to thrive to this day. Today, King Edward Avenue is a main road running north-south through the neighbourhood. It is connected on its north to the MacDonald Cartier Bridge, the main connection with Gatineau, Quebec. Residents living here experience an urban lifestyle with public transportation and tons of commercial development. The O-Train services this area with Rideau Station being within walking distance. They have seen condo growth recently which is making the area a very sought-after community.

Lower Town is bordered by the Rideau Canal and the Rideau River. Near Sandy Hill, New Edinburgh and Lindenlea communities, the residential area is mostly found in Lower Town's North Eastern section. Lower Town will not disappoint you with its wide selection of international restaurants that can be found on Murray Street and other streets in the neighbourhood.