A century-old mansion in Gatineau Park is set to reopen as a boutique hotel, breathing new life into a historic site. The National Capital Commission (NCC) has announced that the O'Brien House, a nearly century-old mansion perched beside Meech Lake, will be transformed into a boutique hotel this spring. The NCC signed a five-year lease with Old Chelsea Square, a group of local businesses, including the Chelsea Pub, to bring this vision to life. But here's where it gets controversial: the NCC's previous attempt at a hotel venture in the same building failed due to differing opinions over public access to the property. Now, the new owners, Old Chelsea Square, are committed to keeping the property accessible to the public, offering a gourmet brunch menu on weekends and a limited afternoon food menu. The building, originally commissioned by John Ambrose O'Brien, founder of the Montreal Canadiens, has a rich history. It was completed in 1930 with cedar shingles and a granite foundation. The new boutique hotel will feature 11 guest rooms, event spaces, and food and beverage services for the public. The NCC and Old Chelsea Square have entered a five-year lease agreement, with an option to renew every five years until 2051. Old Chelsea Square CEO Manuela Teixeira expressed her excitement about the reopening, stating that the community is eager to see the heritage building revitalized. But this is the part most people miss: the building has been largely vacant since the NCC bought it in 1964, save for a few conferences and a short-lived hotel venture. Now, with the new lease agreement and the addition of a small spa and wellness center, the O'Brien House is poised to become a vibrant destination in Gatineau Park. So, will the new boutique hotel be a success? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the O'Brien House is about to get a whole lot more lively.
