The space is full of precious materials and interesting architectural features, many legacy items from previous tenants; travertine floors, marble wainscoting, nickel panels in the private dining room, brass in the bar and foot rail and Corinthian pilasters.
Riviera
Ottawa
Riviera restaurant is located on Sparks St., Ottawa’s singular pedestrian mall. The Art Deco building was built in the mid-1800s and originally housed a jewelry shop and later, around 1900, a bank.
The design for the space takes visual cues from the building’s heritage while introducing a fresh approach to layout and spatial experience. The design celebrates the existing building’s soaring 25-foot sculpted ceiling, wainscoting, marble and travertine walls and floor.
Design Insight
Banker's Dining Room
The old Bank Manager's office is now a private dining space for small groups.
Car Inspired
The design for the seats at the bar was inspired by the cushioned seats from the Buick "Riviera" circa 1963 to 1969.
“Our team truly feels that a collaborative approach with Linebox enabled this project to achieve an end game that surpasses expectations of everyone involved.”
Matthew Carmichael, Chef & Owner
Mr.Flood
Riviera's fabled Mr.Flood mixes his award-winning cocktails behind the bar.
In The Bank
Familiar banking elements were kept in the design. The Bank Manager’s office is now a semi-private dining room, the bar lamps are reminiscent of banker lights and the former teller counter has been reimagined into a 80-foot long brass bar.
Award-Winning
Riviera has twice placed in the Top 100 Restaurants in Canada.
Project Fun Facts
1869
The year a jewellery store opened at 62 Sparks St.
1900
The year CIBC took over the space and converted it into a bank
80
Feet is the length of the custom made brass top bar
25
The height in feet of the sculpted ceiling
What Lies Beneath
While digging to run new services, historical human remains were uncovered. A burial site lied below what is now Queen Street. The site was part of Ottawa’s oldest cemetery dating back to 1828.
Collaborators
Project manager: Ron engineering
Construction manager: Ron engineering
Builder: Ron engineering
Millworker: Millwork North, banquettes by Siècle en siècle, metal work by Fluxworx Inc.
Art: curated by Guy Bérubé
Photographer: Archer Baldo
