Central Chambers and Bell Block, Ottawa

Central Chambers is a significant structure situated at the intersection of Elgin Street and Queen Street in Ottawa. Recognized as a National Historic Site, the building stands adjacent to Bell Block. Its prominent position faces the Canadian War Memorial located in Confederation Square. Constructed between 1890 and 1893, Central Chambers exemplifies the Queen Anne Revival style of commercial architecture and was designed by John James Browne of Montreal. Originally serving as an office for the Canadian Atlantic Railway, it now serves as the headquarters of the National Capital Commission.

In the 1960s, the NCC acquired the building, which remained unoccupied for a significant portion of the 1970s and 1980s. In 1992, plans were formulated to renovate Central Chambers, leading to the interior being gutted and the facade integrated into a new office tower complex. Its architectural and historical significance was officially recognized in 1990 when it was designated as a National Historic Site of Canada due to its exemplary representation of the Queen Anne Revival style in commercial architecture.

Bell Block is another notable building situated in Ottawa. It is positioned between Central Chambers and Scottish Ontario Chambers. Constructed in 1867 based on a design by William Hodgson (1827–1904), Bell Block has been recognized as a heritage property under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act. The City of Ottawa also honored it with an "Award of Excellence" for its architectural significance.