Gatineau Park's O'Brien House, a nearly century-old mansion overlooking Meech Lake, is set to reopen as a boutique hotel this spring. The National Capital Commission (NCC) announced the exciting news on Tuesday, marking a significant development for the area. The historic building, previously shuttered since 2019, will be leased by Old Chelsea Square, a group of local businesses, including the Chelsea Pub. This marks a potential turning point for the site, which has been largely vacant since the NCC's acquisition in 1964, aside from a few short-lived ventures.
The NCC and Old Chelsea Square have entered into a five-year lease agreement, with the possibility of renewal, ensuring the hotel's presence until 2051. The new hotel will feature 11 guest rooms, event spaces, and food and beverage services, offering a unique experience for visitors. Old Chelsea Square CEO Manuela Teixeira expressed enthusiasm, highlighting the importance of public access to the property for the hotel's success. The community's anticipation is palpable, as the heritage building's reopening is expected to attract visitors to the park.
This marks a revival for the O'Brien House, which was previously leased to hoteliers Robert Milling and Lynn Berthiaume in 2018, who reopened it as The O'Brien. However, their venture faced challenges, closing the following year due to differing opinions on public access. The new management aims to address these concerns, offering a gourmet brunch menu on weekends and a limited afternoon food menu, inviting local suggestions for the site's utilization. The O'Brien House's transformation into a boutique hotel is a testament to the potential for heritage buildings to thrive with the right vision and community support.
