Sandy Hill vs. ByWard Market: Which Ottawa Neighbourhood Is Right for You?
For University of Ottawa students, the housing conversation usually comes down to two neighbourhoods: Sandy Hill and ByWard Market. Both are within…
At 87 Mann Avenue in Sandy Hill, a building that once served the community as a place of worship now serves it in a different but equally meaningful way. ALMA @ Sandy Hill is a purpose-built student residence created through the adaptive reuse of a historic Ottawa church, and it offers something that no conventional apartment building can: character.
What Adaptive Reuse Means and Why It Matters
Adaptive reuse is the practice of repurposing an existing building for a new function while preserving its architectural and cultural significance. Rather than demolishing a structure and starting from scratch, adaptive reuse gives old buildings new life. In the context of student housing, this approach produces spaces that feel fundamentally different from the cookie-cutter apartment blocks that dominate most rental markets. The building tells a story, and living in it becomes part of that story.
From a sustainability perspective, adaptive reuse also makes strong environmental sense. Constructing a new building generates significant carbon emissions through materials, manufacturing, and transportation. Repurposing an existing structure retains the embodied energy of the original construction and dramatically reduces the environmental footprint of the project.
The Transformation of 87 Mann Avenue
The conversion of the Sandy Hill church into a student residence required balancing two priorities: preserving the elements that give the building its character and creating modern, functional living spaces that meet the expectations of today’s students. The result is a building where high ceilings, original architectural details, and a sense of historical weight coexist with contemporary finishes, efficient layouts, and purpose-built amenities.
Inside, ALMA @ Sandy Hill offers studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units, all freshly renovated with modern fixtures and furnishings. Common areas include a fitness centre, study and work rooms, and social spaces that take advantage of the building’s unique proportions and natural light. The overall atmosphere is warm, distinctive, and unlike anything else in Ottawa’s student housing market.
Why the Building You Live In Shapes Your Experience
Research in environmental psychology consistently shows that the physical spaces we inhabit affect our mood, motivation, and sense of belonging. Students who live in buildings with natural light, interesting architecture, and well-designed common areas report higher satisfaction with their living situation and, by extension, their overall university experience. A building with character invites engagement. A building without it encourages isolation.
ALMA @ Sandy Hill is located steps from the Lees O-Train Station and within walking distance of the University of Ottawa campus, combining the practical benefits of a central location with the intangible benefits of living in a space that feels genuinely special. If you are looking for student housing in Ottawa that breaks the mould, book a tour and experience 87 Mann Avenue for yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ALMA @ Sandy Hill actually a converted church?
Yes. ALMA @ Sandy Hill at 87 Mann Avenue was converted from a historic Sandy Hill church into a purpose-built student residence. The adaptive reuse project preserved key architectural elements while creating modern, fully renovated studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units.
How close is ALMA Sandy Hill to the University of Ottawa?
ALMA @ Sandy Hill is within walking distance of the University of Ottawa campus. The Lees O-Train Station is steps from the building, providing direct transit access to campus and the wider Ottawa transit network.
