The 14 level high building complex in downtown Ottawa was designed by David Boulva Cleve and built between 1978 and 1981. At its opening, the Royal Bank of Canada was its main occupant and it was therefore named the Royal Bank Centre. In March 2001, the building was purchased by the Canadian government and then renamed into Thomas d’Arcy McGee building after the Irish-Canadian politician who was assassinated in 1868 nearby.
