|
December 12, 2024
ArtsHub Ortona, an arts and community hub in Edmonton’s Rossdale neighbourhood, is reopening following rehabilitation work.
Built in 1914, the Ortona Armoury, a designated Municipal Historic Resource, needed rehabilitation to meet current codes, preserve the historical significance and ensure the building remains a safe, accessible, sustainable and enjoyable space for artists and Edmontonians.
“The City of Edmonton is committed to restoring arts hubs like the Ortona Armoury,” said Mayor Amarjeet Sohi. “With completion of this extensive rehabilitation, we can continue to support Edmonton’s vital arts community.”
The City of Edmonton rehabilitation project included hazardous material removal, window and masonry restoration and a full interior renovation. Extensive work was needed to upgrade structural foundations, replace mechanical and electrical systems, and complete general building repairs. The project added an elevator to improve accessibility and enclosed an existing outdoor courtyard, bringing in natural light for this welcoming arts and events space. Historical preservation and restoration was a project priority, which included maintaining original brickwork, hardwood floors, naval floor tiles and more.
Construction began in spring 2022 and was completed in fall 2024. The $16.28 million-project received $2.05 million in funding from the Government of Canada through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund, which supports improved physical conditions for arts and heritage cultural spaces for creation, collaboration, presentation, preservation and exhibition.
“The Ortona Armoury Building has lived many lives throughout its storied 110-year existence,” said the Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage. “Our government understands the importance of this redevelopment project, which will ensure that the next generation of makers and creators have a dynamic, modernized facility where their art can be shared with the world. We are delighted to have invested in a unique space of which all Edmontonians can be proud.”
The new building operator and leaseholder of ArtsHub Ortona, Arts Habitat Edmonton, has licensed the 19 project studios to professional artists for project-based term lengths of up to one year and main floor offices to not-for-profit arts organizations. Rooms are also available for general community bookings. Arts Habitat, in partnership with the City, advocates for building and managing sustainable and accessible creative spaces for the arts in Edmonton and operates ArtsHub118 and ArtsHub McLuhan House, as well as the new downtown ArtsHub Creative Studios.
“Arts Habitat is grateful we were asked to be part of the rehabilitation team in 2018, enabling the building to be retained as a dynamic hub for artists and ensuring its legacy as a space for creativity and community for decades to come,” said Julian Mayne, Executive Director of Arts Habitat. “This exciting heritage building will continue to serve Edmontonians and artists with affordable, safe, appropriate and sustainable space."
| 
