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Sam Mizrahi’s proposal to build a “landmark” condominium building at Wellington Street West and Island Park Drive was endorsed by Ottawa’s planning committee on Tuesday after a discussion that at times verged on the absurd as councillors questioned what constitutes a “wow” factor.

Mizrahi Developments initially sought permission to build a 12-storey building at 1445 and 1451 Wellington St. W., but council turned down the project because the proposed height exceeded what rules allow for that location.

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The Toronto developer appealed the decision to the Ontario Municipal Board, which offered two options in its May ruling: Cap the building at nine storeys or demonstrate “landmark” architecture for the top of the building sufficient to persuade the board to allow 12 storeys.

Mizrahi’s latest design shows a building with a pronounced bronze and copper roof and spire-topped corner tower, a nod perhaps to the Confederation Building on Parliament Hill. Gone are the glass-enclosed top floors and projecting balconies of earlier renderings.