Ottawa’s Rideau Centre gets huge facelift

For the past few months, Ottawa has been buzzing with rumours about the Rideau Centre’s transformation. With several retailers closing up shop and new space being made around the building, we knew that big changes were in store for the mall.

Last night, at Rideau’s exclusive press launch at the Ottawa Convention Centre, we were invited amongst other media, bloggers, and Ottawa heavy-hitters to hear what was in store. Before the grand announcement, we were treated to a decadent display of horderves, sliders, an open bar, and even cupcakes from the Cupcake Lounge to take home. We always love running into old friends, and making new ones at these events! And of course, this invite-only reveal called out some of the city’s most fashionable.

Lois Lee host of Daytime Ottawa on Rogers TV, Leah Harper of The Shepherd’s Girl, Laurence de Montigny, and Carolynn Lacasse

Mary Lou of Twenty York Street

But what’s the big news, right? It was announced that J. Crew, Victoria Secret, Simons and Nordstrom department stores will be opening in Rideau’s redevelopment. The transformation will also include an expanded Harry Rosen flagship store, and 30 new retailers setting up shop in a 4-level building where the parking lot currently is. This $360 million project is already underway, and will be fully completed by August 2016. However, the new food court and a few stores will be coming to us as early as next summer!

A fully refurbished dining hall is also part of the renovation, and will have environmentally friendly reusable dishes and cutlery. Flat screens will be adorning the walls, where you’ll be able to order whatever tickles your fancy, from the 16 new food establishments.

So why is this big news, other than the fancy new stores or the slick new paint job, reminiscent of Toronto’s Eatons Centre? For ourselves and most Ottawa dwellers, the Rideau Centre is literally the centre of the city.

Everything happens around the Rideau Centre (if you’re an Ottawan, you know what we mean)! For many O-towners, the Rideau Centre is our Pass-GO-and-collect-$200 checkpoint on your way to work, school, or wherever. For visitors to the city, its the main shopping destination, so sprucing up the mall will raise Ottawa’s profile amongst Canada’s other big cities.

If you’re a Ottawa dweller and are wondering what will happen in the interim, don’t worry, as stores will continue to operate as usual. Remember to follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ourmode, to stay updated with all the latest buzz happening in the city!

What she’s wearing Target tweed dress | Urban Behaviour blazer | Forever21 heels | ALDO clutch
What he’s wearing Tommy Hilfiger sweater | Urban Outfitters pants | Indochino collared shirt | Pegabo wingtips

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