159 Murray Street - École Guigues
A school that defied a law, preserved forever
159 Murray Street — known as École Guigues — is one of Ottawa's most historically significant buildings and most intimate loft conversions. Built in 1904 in the Neo-Classical style by Ottawa architect Félix Maral Hamel to accommodate 100 boys, the school became the epicentre of a defiant stand against provincial injustice when women known as "Les Gardiennes" continued teaching in French from its steps while the building was under lock and key. Designated a heritage property in 1980, the school was sensitively restored and converted by architect Barry Padolsky between 1995 and 1997 — winning the Award of Excellence for restorative reconstruction that same year. Today, 14 loft suites across four storeys preserve 12-foot ceilings, 8-foot double-hung windows, rich hardwood floors, gas fireplaces, and crown mouldings, while the ground floor continues to serve the community as the Centre de jour des aînés Francophones d'Ottawa-Carleton.
Barry Padolsky Associates Inc.
1851–1907
Les Gardiennes, and the school that held the line
Few buildings in Canada carry the weight of 159 Murray Street. Named for Ottawa's first Roman Catholic bishop, this schoolhouse became the front line of one of the most important battles for French language rights in Canadian history — a story carried in its walls long after the last students left.
Pricing & condo fee history
With only 14 units and rare turnover, each transaction at École Guigues carries significant weight. Twenty recorded sales from 2000 to 2022 trace a building where history, location, and scarcity combine — prices growing from $174K at first resale to $430K at peak.
All recorded sales
| Unit | Sold | List Price | Sold Price | LP/SP | Bed | Bath | Condo Fee | Taxes/yr | DOM | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #205 | Jan 2022 | $379,000 | $335,000 | 88.4% | 1 | 1 | $477/mo | $2,739 | 41 | Sold |
| #206 | Jul 2021 | $339,900 | $327,000 | 96.2% | 1 | 1 | $559/mo | $3,204 | 58 | Sold |
| #204 | Mar 2019 | $319,900 | $317,000 | 99.1% | 1 | 1 | $478/mo | $2,288 | 20 | Sold |
| #303 | Oct 2018 | $438,000 | $430,000 | 98.2% | 2 | 2 | $867/mo | $4,188 | 185 | Sold |
| #303 | Jun 2015 | $398,900 | $389,750 | 97.7% | 2 | 2 | $676/mo | $3,816 | 7 | Sold |
| #207 | Jul 2013 | $339,900 | $339,000 | 99.7% | 1 | 1 | $424/mo | $2,963 | 1 | Sold |
| #201 | Jun 2013 | $319,900 | $315,000 | 98.5% | 1 | 1 | $403/mo | $3,041 | 54 | Sold |
| #204 | Oct 2013 | $299,900 | $281,000 | 93.7% | 1 | 1 | $353/mo | $2,359 | 50 | Sold |
Lowertown, Ottawa
Murray Street sits in the heart of Lowertown — Ottawa's oldest neighbourhood — framed by three parks, steps from the Byward Market, and within walking distance of the National Gallery, Parliament Hill, and the Rideau River.
All data sourced from MLS® historical records. Building history sourced from publicly available records including Heritage Ottawa and City of Ottawa heritage records. Information is provided for reference purposes only and does not constitute a representation or warranty. Condo fees, taxes, and prices are subject to change. Prospective buyers should conduct independent due diligence.