Connaught Building, Ottawa

The Connaught Building in Ottawa is a historic office building owned by Public Services and Procurement Canada. It's located on MacKenzie Avenue, next to the American Embassy. With a beautiful view of the Byward Market to the east, it is surrounded by MacKenzie Avenue and Major's Hill Park to the west. Currently, it houses the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) headquarters and offices for the Minister and Commissioner of the CRA.

The Connaught Building was designed in a Tudor-Gothic style by chief architect David Ewart. Construction work began in 1913 and was completed in 1915. The building was named after the Duke of Connaught, the third son of Queen Victoria and the 10th Governor General of Canada from 1911 to 1916. With seven levels above ground and one basement level, it stood as an impressive structure.

In 1971, the Connaught Building underwent extensive renovations that involved the addition of two levels. These were created by constructing floors within the generous ceiling heights of the basement and ground floors. Consequently, the building now consists of two basement levels and eight levels above ground on the Sussex Drive side, with the third floor having direct access to MacKenzie Avenue at street level.

The Connaught Building was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1990. Additionally, it has held the status of a "Federal Heritage Building" with "Classified" protection since 1988, signifying the highest level of safeguarding for federally owned structures.