Modern living: New luxury rental building has its privileges

When Eric, 55, was choosing an apartment, his Tuxedo cat, Figaro, was part of the decision to move into a brand new six-storey luxury rental building near the Pretoria Bridge in Ottawa. 

“The Mia is in the same postal code as my work,” he says, “so I can go home and visit my cat at lunch.” 

He says also indoor parking means not having to worry about snow removal and he loves the building’s amenities. “But this is just a bonus for me. I decided to live at The Mia after witnessing the way JB Holdings treat people. I feel like JB Holdings haven’t forgotten about the housing part of the housing market.”  

The Mia has 67 units, with studio, one-bedroom- and two-bedroom layouts. The building is pet-friendly, and has in-suite laundry, premium finishes and private balconies. 

Amenities include underground parking, bike storage, energy-efficient systems, access to a gym and business centre, and a comfortable, modern lobby. 

Builder John Bassi, founder of JBPA Developments Inc., believes that modern amenities are essential these days – in-suite washer/dryer, stainless steel appliances, private outdoor space, an on-site co-working lounge and a gym (operated by Mbody Fitness.) A rooftop terrace overlooks the Rideau Canal.  

“Tenants are seeking lifestyle, flexibility and community,” he says. “The Glebe/Old Ottawa East is now a highly desirable neighbourhood for active living, walkability, and access to local shops and cafes.” 

Son Anthony Bassi and his father run the construction side, JBPA Developments, and John’s wife Maria is CEO of JB Holdings, which takes over managing the real estate after the construction is done. 

Residents include young professionals working in technology, government and health care, he says, as well as empty nesters downsizing to a low-maintenance luxury lifestyle.  

“Tenants love having two elevators,” says Maria. “The units facing the Canal were leased immediately. We are 80 % leased already.” Bachelor units start at $1,535 a month, a one-bedroom rents for $2,175 and two-bedrooms range from $2,500 to $4,500. 

The shift from new home and condo to rental construction has been quite significant in Toronto, and Bassi says Ottawa is similarly “experiencing a significant shift toward purpose-built rental construction.”  

And “luxury rental,” he says, isn’t just about high-end finishes, premium materials and modern efficient layouts, it also includes exclusive amenities such as a gym, co-working space, a rooftop terrace, pet-friendly areas and smart technology features – “all what The Mia has.”  

The advantages of moving into a luxury rental building are “no condo fees, special assessments of mortgage commitments, and access to amenities and maintained infrastructure without personal upkeep.” 

From my back window, I have watched The Mia’s progress from the teardown of the previous row houses on the site, to the digging of the parking garage and growth to completion. It was a real lesson on how complicated a building project is, and how long it takes. 

“Every construction project presents challenges,” says John Bassi, “including supply chain issues and urban site logistics. We addressed concerns as they arose and worked proactively with the City of Ottawa to maintain transparency and meet all municipal requirements. The busy street of Hawthorne was also a complicated issue we had to tackle.” 

Fortunately, he says, The Mia has benefited from lessons learned on prior builds, “allowing for better coordination, quality control, and stakeholder engagement, such as the city.”  

 “We want the community to know The Mia was thoughtfully designed to fit in with the character of the neighbourhood, while enhancing the local streetscape with modern architecture and respectful density.” 

JBPA has several significant projects contributing to Ottawa’s residential growth, some notable: 400 Albert Street – Near completion, featuring 567 rental units; Riverain District (Phase 3) – In progress, adding 1,112 rental units; 2 Robinson Avenue – Recently broke ground, with over 1,500 residential units planned; 200 Elgin Street – Office-to-residential conversion of 126 units ongoing; Heron Road: three buildings with over 380 rental units.  

“Together,” says John Bassi, “these projects alone bring around 3,700 new rentals to Ottawa.”