The owners of the Chateau Laurier say the design of the hotel expansion, unveiled Wednesday, is simply following guidelines set out by the city and the National Capital Commission.
Art Phillips, director of development for Larco Investments, says they can't simply build in the same style as the original hotel.
"We're working within the guidelines as established by the city and the NCC - we're not to mimic the existing architecture," said Phillips.
"What we're to do, instead, is to build and design a structure that is representative of the period in which it is built."
Phillips says they've tried to blend the old and the new by using the same kind of limestone on the exterior and including copper roofs.
Larco has already held meetings with the NCC and city staff, and are already making changes to address their concerns.
And while they're willing to listen to public suggestions, Phillips says a complete redesign is simply not in the works.