We at the Toronto Star’s NewInHomes.com are always on the lookout for cool architecture in other areas of Ontario, and also other areas of the country. Last month, we looked at Tour des Canadiens, Canderel’s new addition to Montreal’s skyline. This week, we shifted our focus to a new development a little closer to home, in Ottawa.

Introducing, Claridge Icon, a new 42-storey condominium tower that is headed to Ottawa’s “Little Italy” neighbourhood. In Toronto, that’s not too significant of a story, but 42 storeys in Ottawa will stand as the city’s tallest.

“We see a great retail experience at the ground floor,” said Neil Malhotra of Claridge to the Ottawa Sun. “We’re looking at two to three office floors, and looking at 39 floors of residential units.”

The Hariri Pontarini-designed tower is very sharp. The contemporary glass and steel tower is unlike anything that Ottawa or even Ontario has ever seen. The sleek glass cladding complements the seemingly asymmetrical structure beneath it quite well, and we are excited to see this building come to life.

“It makes sense for it to become a point of intensification here,” Malhotra said. “Also when you look at being on the edge of Dow’s Lake and the UNESCO heritage site, I think there’s an opportunity to do something really outstanding.”

It’s hard not to like what Claridge is presenting here at the corner of Preston Street and Carling Avenue. The Icon presents some cool new architecture, seems to fit in well with the area around it, and will present strong mixed-use options, which is key for any new development that is being approved these days. It is replacing an old gas station, one that is currently holding the area back architecturally.

So what’s next? Ottawa City Council needs to approve the project before Claridge moves forward with it, but we don’t see why it wouldn’t get the green light!