A Glimpse into the Past

The story of Martin Terrace at 525 King Edward Avenue

John McQuarrie

Nestled in the heart of Ottawa’s historic Sandy Hill neighbourhood, the ornate property at 525 King Edward Avenue stands as a testament to the city’s rich architectural heritage. Built in 1902 for Daniel Martin, a prosperous feed and grain merchant, the house was designed to be a grand home for his family, complete with adjoining rental units. Martin’s thriving business, adjacent to the ByWard Market at Rideau and Dalhousie Streets, was a symbol of success during an era of rapid growth for the city.

Emma Martin, Daniel’s wife, called 525 King Edward Avenue home until her passing in 1973, at the ripe old age of 92. By then, the home had become a quiet witness to the evolving city around it, its once-vibrant halls slowly fading into the background.

As the years went on, however, the property faced an uncertain future. Between 1973 and 1981, the row (519-525) began to decline, and developers set their sights on the property. For a time, it seemed that the row’s fate was sealed. But history has a way of surprising us, and the preservationists rallied to the cause. Heritage advocates began to speak up, sounding the clarion call to protect the property for future generations. Thanks to their efforts, the home and its neighbouring units were spared from demolition.

Yet, even in the face of this victory, new challenges arose. The Regional Municipality had plans to use King Edward Avenue as a major thoroughfare for a new bus transitway, with the main stop set to sit right on the front lawns of these residences. It seemed that these historic homes might yet be doomed to the bulldozer. Once again, the community rallied. Action Sandy Hill, the local community association, led a successful campaign to have the transitway rerouted to the Nicholas—Waller corridor, preserving the homes’ front lawns and their charming presence.

In 1984, the efforts of residents and preservationists culminated in the entire block of King Edward Avenue being designated as a heritage district by the City of Ottawa.

Today, homeowner Richard Dubé has gone to extraordinary lengths to recapture the atmosphere of Victorian Ottawa, and it shows. Step inside, and you are transported back in time, with carefully chosen antiques and tasteful Victorian décor filling every room. Eleven stunning stained-glass windows filter the light and soaring ten-foot ceilings lend a sense of 19th Century grandeur to the home’s interior.

It is a living piece of history, standing as a reminder of the perseverance of a community determined to save the treasures of the past from the ravages of time and development. The row continues to shine as one of Ottawa’s most beautiful and cherished landmarks, a quiet reminder of the city’s enduring legacy.

As luck would have it, visitors to the Capital have the unique opportunity to enjoy the charm and convenience of Auberge King Edward in one of two bedrooms offered through Airbnb (KingEdwardOttawa.com). Frommer’s Guide called it, “Best period décor of all Ottawa B&Bs  … ” (with sleep-overs).