Lester B. Pearson Building

The Lester B. Pearson Building is an office building in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. It is located at 125 Sussex Drive in the Lower Town neighbourhood and currently serves as the headquarters of Global Affairs Canada. It was officially opened on 1 August 1973 by Queen Elizabeth II.[1] It is named after Lester B. Pearson, former Prime Minister of Canada and external affairs minister which has earned it the nickname "Fort Pearson".

Lester B. Pearson Building
The Lester B. Pearson Building as seen from the Macdonald-Cartier Bridge.
General information
TypeOffice building
Architectural styleModern
LocationOttawa, Ontario, Canada
Address125 Sussex Drive
Town or cityOttawa
CountryCanada
Current tenantsGlobal Affairs Canada
Named forLester B. Pearson
Construction started1970
Completed1973
Design and construction
Architecture firmWZMH Architects

The building was designed by the Toronto-based architectural firm of Webb Zerafa Menkes and is described as "late modern with an influence of Brutalism".[1] The building consists of four "towers" ranging from 4 to 10 storeys, of which three are interconnected from the first to the fifth floor. In 2013, the Department of Public Works and Government Services designated the office complex a Federal Heritage Building for its "historical associations, and its architectural and environmental values".[2]

In 2019, work began towards renovating the building, with major changes being made to both the interior and exterior. Walls will be torn down and individual offices removed in favour of a new activity-based working model. The project is estimated to cost $700 million and is scheduled to be completed in 2028.[3]

References
  1. "A look inside the enigmatic 'Fort Pearson'". Ottawa Citizen. Canwest. 5 June 2008. Archived from the original on 21 August 2009. Retrieved 20 November 2008.
  2. "Lester B. Pearson Building". Parks Canada. Retrieved 18 January 2022.
  3. "Rehabilitation of the Lester B. Pearson Building". Government of Canada.

45°26′13.13″N 75°41′45.79″W

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