The building takes its shape in the heart of Centretown as a massive 25-storey tower sitting on top of a 3-storey podium that spans the entire width of the block. The building houses a variety of functions, with commercial and office space residing in the podium and residential units in the tower.

The tower has a relatively unusual octagonal shape, which makes for interesting floor plans for the residential units. At the southeast corner, the building appears to have a slice taken out of it, as the building’s form is interrupted by windowless full-height concrete walls.

The building is clad smooth concrete, with slightly dark tinted windows framed by bronze-coloured frames and spandrel panels. As of 2023, The Carlisle is the 15^th tallest building in the Ottawa-Gatineau region.