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The Rochon Residence is a federally recognized heritage house, thought to be among the oldest buildings in Lowertown. Located at 138 St. Patrick Street, this historic structure requires rehabilitation to protect character-defining elements, in order for it to continue to be appreciated and enjoyed by current and future generations.

As the steward of heritage buildings and sites in the National Capital Region, the NCC undertook the renovations necessary to revamp the Rochon Residence in 2021. 

The Rochon Residence has been selected as a pilot to welcome an artist-in-residence program. 

About the project

The building required interior and exterior rehabilitation, as well as structural reinforcement.

Process and timeline

The rehabilitation work ended in December 2021. The work included structural reinforcement, removal and reinstatement of the exterior cladding, and rehabilitation of the building interior.

About the site

The Rochon Residence is located across from the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, a few steps away from the National Gallery of Canada. Its construction dates to the early 1830s and is a vestige of Ottawa’s early development.

The architecture of the Rochon Residence represents a traditional one-storey house of Lowertown in Ottawa, built with materials such as squared timber and wood siding. It was once the home of woodcarver Flavien Rochon, who is the first clearly identifiable occupant. Rochon is known to have carved the stalls and sanctuary of the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica in 1844.

This project is part of the NCC’s major infrastructure projects, made possible with the Government of Canada’s $52.4-million investment from the 2020 federal budget.