Centre Block Rehabilitation

An HOK-WSP joint venture called CENTRUS is leading the design of the expansion, conservation and rehabilitation of the main facility of the Canadian Parliamentary complex (Centre Block) in Ottawa.

Built nearly a century ago after the original Parliament building was destroyed by fire, Centre Block houses Canada’s Senate, House of Commons and Library of Parliament. It also includes the Memorial Chamber that commemorates Canadian citizens who gave their lives in military service. It’s one of the country’s most important heritage sites and leading tourist destinations.

As defined in the Long-Term Vision and Plan for Ottawa’s Parliamentary Precinct, the Centre Block rehabilitation project emerged from two decades of planning. The vision is to modernize the physical setting, security and support infrastructure while honoring Centre Block’s heritage as the epicenter of Canadian democracy.

The design is reorganizing and renovating the entire 1922 Beaux Arts Parliament building, its iconic 302-foot-tall Peace Tower and the adjacent grounds. This includes construction of a new underground Visitors Welcome Centre on Parliament Hill and several ancillary projects including storage facilities for heritage assets and a temporary materials handling facility.

HOK also is leading the design of the surrounding landscape including Parliament Hill’s front lawns, where for decades Canadians have gathered in times of protest, celebration and remembrance.

WSP is guiding the CENTRUS partnership and providing principal engineering and project management services. HOK is leading the architectural design and conservation efforts and is architect of record, with strong support from associate architects Architecture49, DFS and ERA Architects.