Street view of ESPACE 320, a historic building on Chapel Street in Sandy Hill, Ottawa.

A new space for well-being, community, and connection in the heart of Sandy Hill

ESPACE 320 is being developed in consultation with the community to create a space for health and wellness programming and professionals, community organizations, educational activities and gatherings that contribute to individual and collective well-being.

Christine and Jason at ESPACE 320 in Sandy Hill, Ottawa.

Our Story

ESPACE 320 grew from Christine Aubry’s search for a place where she could explore different spiritual traditions in a non-denominational setting. Unable to find such a place in Ottawa, she began imagining what one might look like— a centre dedicated to mindfulness, contemplation, learning, and spiritual exploration, open to people of all faith traditions, experiences, and backgrounds, that would also reflect her love of art, books, and nature.

When Christine and her husband, Jason Kitchen, found a historic property in the heart of Sandy Hill, they saw an opportunity to bring that long-held vision to life. The historic property at 320 Chapel Street, with its large adjacent garden, was the ideal beautiful and peaceful setting for people to find refuge from the pace of daily life, to learn, reflect, and create, whether individually or in community.

As they explored how the property could be reimagined and used, the vision expanded. The centre for mindfulness and spiritual exploration remains at the heart of the project, complemented by spaces for health and wellness professionals, community organizations, educators, artists, workshops, and gatherings.

Through the restoration and stewardship of this historic property, ESPACE 320 intends to create a lasting community asset that supports individual and collective well-being.

Front façade of the historic ESPACE 320 building on Chapel Street in Sandy Hill, Ottawa.

The Property

Built at the end of the nineteenth century, 320 Chapel Street has been part of Sandy Hill's history for more than a century. Among its earliest owners was George P. Brophy, a prominent engineer and one of the founders of Ottawa's electric streetcar system, whose family lived in the home for several decades.

During the Second World War, it served as the unofficial French Embassy in Ottawa and welcomed distinguished guests, including Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King. Like many historic homes, it has experienced periods of celebration, change, and renewal while continuing to occupy a unique place in the life of the neighbourhood.

The garden has long been an important part of the property's character. Historical records describe a garden known for its beauty and abundance of flowers, reflecting a tradition of care and stewardship.

The Restoration

The restoration of 320 Chapel Street is both a preservation project and a community-building project. We are committed to preserving the historical character of this heritage property while thoughtfully adapting it for contemporary use. Wherever possible, original architectural features will be preserved, while new elements will be designed to support accessibility, sustainability, and the long-term vitality of the space. Our goal is not simply to restore a building, but to ensure it can continue to serve and inspire the community for generations to come.

etail of the heart-shaped door knob at ESPACE 320 in Sandy Hill, Ottawa.

Our Values

Compassion

We believe compassion is the foundation of individual and collective well-being. We seek to approach our work, our relationships, and our community with kindness, empathy, generosity, and respect.

Well-Being

We seek to support the physical, emotional, intellectual, social, and spiritual well-being of individuals and the broader community.

Learning

We create space for curiosity, growth, reflection, and the exchange of ideas.

Belonging

We believe strong communities are built through connection, participation, and shared experiences. We strive to foster a welcoming environment where people feel seen, respected, and connected.

Stewardship

We care for the places, relationships, resources, and natural environment entrusted to us. Through thoughtful stewardship, heritage preservation, and sustainable practices, we seek to ensure they continue to serve the community for generations to come.