Seattle architect Sharon Eschbach Coleman says Ottawa has changed a lot and maybe she has too since she left 35 years ago. Coleman didn’t think much of the city then. She thinks enough of it now to give $250,000 to the YMCA building project. An outdoor plaza will be named for former mayor Bob Eschbach, Coleman’s brother.
Construction is expected to start in the spring. The cost estimate is $24 million with about $1 million to go yet in fundraising. Coleman says she’s glad to help, because a healthy Y makes for a healthy community.
In addition to her financial contribution, Coleman expresses her approval of the design as she’s qualified to do.