OTTAWA RADIO ACQUIRES NEW FACILITIES The Jewel has a new home - and a jewel of a building. Broadcaster Evanov Radio Group reports its recent purchase of an Ottawa heritage building located at 127 York Street in Ottawa's vibrant "Byward Market" area for its new Ottawa Radio Operation "98.5 FM The Jewel".
In 1976, this 19th Century Victorian home was transformed into a very well-known gourmet restaurant, "Le Jardin", the new owners describe.
The five star restaurant in the heart of the Byward Market that catered to former Prime Ministers and various Heads of State is now the home of Ottawa's newest radio station, 98.5 The Jewel.
The welcome once consisted of "Good Evening Mr. Trudeau, we have your reservation; shall I seat you at your favourite table near the fireplace, in the original living room of this Historic house?", today we welcome you to the home of Ottawa's radio station "The Jewel" featuring "Unforgettable Music with Class" at 98.5 on the FM dial.
From the outside, the building is rather unassuming. It's a 19th century, 2 story, brown brick house, complimented by a black wrought-iron gate and length of green awning leading to the entrance. The front door is adorned with an elaborate pane of stained-glass. Inside and through the foyer, the deception continues. Above the foyer hangs an original chandelier from the 20's; then past the winding wood staircase and through what was once the dining room, which has now been transformed to the reception area. This room retains the high baseboard, huge window casings, cloth wall coverings and an antique chandelier.
One of the most unique aspects of the radio station is the main broadcast studio, looking out on to York Street through two large picture windows. Formerly the living room, it retains a fully functional fireplace and a large brass chandelier hangs from the ceiling, bringing us back to another era. Even the cloth wall covering seems vintage 19th century. By contrast, the equipment in the studio is state of the art and completely digital.
Another striking feature of 127 York Street is the painted glass ceiling at the top of the main stairwell on the second floor. This motif hailing from a major butcher shop in Paris (Circa 1700s) is a pastoral setting complete with blue birds on the wing. Throughout the building more than 12 original brass chandeliers give light to the birth of Ottawa's Newest Radio Station 98.5 The Jewel.
Much like The Jewel's "Unforgettable Music with Class" format, the ambiance of the building is timeless, enduring, elegant and relaxed. The Jewel offers "today's new easy listening sound - - the best music ever recorded, selected from numerous musical eras."
The Evanov Radio Group has always made major commitments to the market in which it receives a radio license. In all of its markets it has purchased local buildings from which to operate and broadcast.
"We're very excited about 98.5 The Jewel finding a home in one of Ottawa's fine heritage buildings and we are committed to retaining the historic character of the building. Our investment in this city will be substantial in terms of infrastructure, real estate and job creation, as well as a substantial commitment to Canadian Talent Development. It's a commitment that we're proud to make", said Bill Evanov, President of the Evanov Radio Group.
Evanov Radio Group owns and operates Toronto CMA radio stations: CIDC-FM (Z103.5); CKDX-FM (Foxy 88.5); CIAO (AM530); as well as CKHZ-FM (Z103.5) in Halifax and CJWL-FM (98.5 The Jewel) in Ottawa. |