[Dmajackson]

spaustin is up talking now! :)

[Keith P.]

And from the sublime to the ridiculous... we now have Bev Miller blathering on.

[HaliStreaks]

And from the sublime to the ridiculous... we now have Bev Miller blathering on.

That was AWFUL

[kph06]

Crane by the end of the year? I like that...

[Dmajackson]

I officially love Councillor Outhit;

I forget what a crane looks like downtown. There's one in Bedford and I think I seen a few in Vancouver but I haven't seen any downtown and I want to see some!

:haha: Massive Burn! :whip:

[Dmajackson]

Approved! :D:D:D:D

[HaliStreaks]

Approved! :D:D:D:D

Not a single Nay.... kinda wierd considering councillor watts said she was against it.

I gotta say, this has been one of the most mature council sessions I've seen...

They finally got it through their heads, they need to approve stuff on how it will benefit the area, not what people think it looks like!:notacrook:

I was surprised to hear that come out of a Halifax city councillors mouth, let alone 3 or 4. D'awwww our lil' council is growing up methinks.

[Dmajackson]

Not a single Nay.... kinda wierd considering councillor watts said she was against it.

I gotta say, this has been one of the most mature council sessions I've seen...

They finally got it through their heads, they need to approve stuff on how it will benefit the area, not what people think it looks like!:notacrook:

I was surprised to hear that come out of a Halifax city councillors mouth, let alone 3 or 4. D'awwww our lil' council is growing up methinks.

Yah it was kind of weird Watts didn't scream out NAY!

Uteck also said Sloane supported the proposal which means all 22 councillors supported it.

[spaustin]

Pretty good endorsement for the project. Almost everyone in the public spoke in favour, council's vote was unanimous (Watts?) and the heritage trust was even suggesting compromise in their opposition (smaller not no project). One interesting thing I learned, there is street fair planned for October on Morris Street in front of the building to close the place out. It sounds like a neat way for the neighbourhood and the many past residents to say goodbye to the old and hello to the new.

[Halifax Hillbilly]

Good project, glad to see it approved.

Part of me is gonna miss your old home though Mr. Austin. An interesting building.

[Keith P.]

For the record: Coun. Moonbat Watts voted against it.

[Jonovision]

Great news! I hope Louis doesn't waste anytime starting work. Although I have a feeling he will wait until his Greenvale Project is finished before he starts this one. I'm excited to see the red balconies!:cheers:

[Barrington south]

great news for the area

[Dmajackson]

You're quite the popular man "Spaustin":

Council OKs 10-storey building
Bottled water axed at city hall
By MICHAEL LIGHTSTONE City Hall Reporter
Wed. Sep 16 - 4:46 AM
After a prolonged ceasefire, the battle over building heights for proposed developments in downtown Halifax was resurrected Tuesday night — this time in relation to a planned 10-storey, mixed-use structure with red balconies.

But the urban planning skirmish, during a public hearing at city hall, was relatively brief. And in the end, council approved the $14-million residential-commercial project for the southwest corner of Hollis and Morris streets.

Speakers who supported the development told council it would help revitalize a rundown district. They also liked the red tinted glass planned for balconies protruding from the 86-unit rental building.

Halifax Regional Municipality’s heritage advisory committee recommended that council approve the project.

Those who spoke against it said it was too high, out of character for the neighbourhood and even just plain ugly.

Developer Louis Lawen said he hopes to break ground by the end of this year, but three old buildings on the property must be demolished first. He said if all goes well, construction should be finished by the spring of 2011.

With respect to the red balconies, which seemed to be a bit of a theme during part of the debate, Mr. Lawen told The Chronicle Herald his firm will probably try one as a test to see if the concept is viable.

Heritage advocates objected to the proposed new building, saying the setting has historical value because it is where one of the city’s founding fathers, Charles Morris, set up shop. But not one of the existing structures is a registered heritage site.

One speaker told the politicians he used to live in one of the old buildings set to be destroyed. He criticized the municipality for doing a lousy job of including tenants there in the public participation process.

Councillors agreed with the young man and asked city staff to try to make the process more inclusive.

[JET]

Lawen plans to include public art to honour the history of the area.
Can you say LIGHTHOUSE ! lol JET

[phrenic]

For once I'd like to see people forget about including art that references our history and instead install something completely abstract and futuristic that makes no sense, yet looks really cool.

[Takeo]

Lawen plans to include public art to honour the history of the area.
Can you say LIGHTHOUSE ! lol JET

The history of the area? Hmm. How about a stainless steel hooker?

[planarchy]

The history of the area? Hmm. How about a stainless steel hooker?

Yes. Fantastic suggestion. As long as people are obsessed with preserving the past, we should at least be honest about how we do it.

[Dmajackson]

The history of the area? Hmm. How about a stainless steel hooker?

:haha: Lol I think that would be perfect for Windmill Road. For here though a hooker with a beer bottle in hand would be awesome :tup:

[terrynorthend]

For once I'd like to see people forget about including art that references our history and instead install something completely abstract and futuristic that makes no sense, yet looks really cool.

They did a great job of this at Dal decades ago. There is/was a cool abstract statue of a man outside of the S.U.B., and the "Eskimo carrying snow" (that's what we used to call it:) ) on the median in front of the Cohn.

[Phalanx]

The history of the area? Hmm. How about a stainless steel hooker?

Don't be silly...

..It should be bronze. :D

[Halifax Hillbilly]

For once I'd like to see people forget about including art that references our history and instead install something completely abstract and futuristic that makes no sense, yet looks really cool.

Good call. :tup:

[spaustin]

The history of the area? Hmm. How about a stainless steel hooker?

Already done, the red balconies will reflect the history, especially if light from people's apartments shines on them at night ;)

[JET]

:haha: Lol I think that would be perfect for Windmill Road. For here though a hooker with a beer bottle in hand would be awesome :tup:

Now now.. no need to be like that about Dartmouth, true as it may be.
PS Are there "hookers" in Bedford? Just curious, or do people from Bedford just come to Windmill Road? JET

[City_of_Lakes]

Already done, the red balconies will reflect the history, especially if light from people's apartments shines on them at night ;)

haha! good one

[Dmajackson]

Now now.. no need to be like that about Dartmouth, true as it may be.
PS Are there "hookers" in Bedford? Just curious, or do people from Bedford just come to Windmill Road? JET

Lol ok :(

Yah according to the Coast there's a "walk" somewheres in Bedford (somewhere's around Union St I think). We're also the area that prostitutes apparently come to for their "fun".

[hfx_chris]

Ah, that's what they mean by "a traditional stopping place"

[Dmajackson]

Ah, that's what they mean by "a traditional stopping place"

:uhh:

:redface:

It at least explains all the used condoms and mysterious cars in the park in my backyard.

[hfx_chris]

In your backyard? Dude. Try and be a little more discreet.

:haha:

[Keith P.]

PS Are there "hookers" in Bedford? Just curious, or do people from Bedford just come to Windmill Road? JET

There are, but it works different in Bedford. Instead of Windmill Road, you pick them up at suburban upscale coffee shops or Nubody's, and instead of cash they get paid with diamond earrings, gold bracelets, or, if they're really good, BMWs. See "Desperate Housewives" for reference. ;)

[Dmajackson]

There are, but it works different in Bedford. Instead of Windmill Road, you pick them up at suburban upscale coffee shops or Nubody's, and instead of cash they get paid with diamond earrings, gold bracelets, or, if they're really good, BMWs. See "Desperate Housewives" for reference. ;)

Damn guys what's with Bedford hating? :P

I think I need to recruite some more Bedfordites on this forum for back-up.

[Dmajackson]

So I was at a presentation by Mr> Kassner last night about green building and he mentioned "a 100-unit apartment building on the peninsula the he helped work on" or something to that degree and he ended up mentioning two things that intrigued me;

According to him it is still suppose to start construction by Christmas and it might be aiming for LEED SILVER status.

[sdm]

So I was at a presentation by Mr> Kassner last night about green building and he mentioned "a 100-unit apartment building on the peninsula the he helped work on" or something to that degree and he ended up mentioning two things that intrigued me;

According to him it is still suppose to start construction by Christmas and it might be aiming for LEED SILVER status.

That is most likely Southwests development on South Bland Street.

[Dmajackson]

That is most likely Southwests development on South Bland Street.

Is that one approved or is it an AOR development?

[someone123]

I don't think it was as-of-right.. there was a report for a development agreement a couple of years ago that showed what looked like a clone of the existing apartment building. Not sure how that proposal has changed or what its current status is.

I am looking forward to the Hollis and Morris building. That end of town is already pretty nice and still has lots of potential. It's got tons of history and some of the best residential architecture in Canada.

[sdm]

I don't think it was as-of-right.. there was a report for a development agreement a couple of years ago that showed what looked like a clone of the existing apartment building. Not sure how that proposal has changed or what its current status is.

I am looking forward to the Hollis and Morris building. That end of town is already pretty nice and still has lots of potential. It's got tons of history and some of the best residential architecture in Canada.

It certainly does have potential, however that stupid 50 foot height restriction i think the full potential has been lost. The land value is too high, and without the ability to get the density it will be uneconomical to build without charging prices well above market

[someone123]

The height limit is unfortunate. Not totally sure what will happen with that - it could depress land values somewhat, or just result in really expensive development, or maybe there will be pressure to amend HbD.

50 feet is obviously too short. Had it been enforced, the Nova Scotian Hotel wouldn't have been allowed. There's also a 5 storey apartment on Morris from 1920 that may very well be over that height limit. I have never heard anybody complain about either of those buildings.

I don't necessarily have a problem with height limits, but they have to be a reasonable compromise.

[BravoZulu]

There are currently 2 NSP trucks on Hollis one at the corner with Morris and one half way down the block. Looks to me like they are relocating power lines from the east side of the street to the west side.

Could be a sign that things are about to get rolling on this development. I'll check back later this afternoon and see if they have made enough progress to determine exactly what they are up to.

Cheers
BZ

[spaustin]

I walk by the place every work day. I saw workmen in the first floor unit on Monday/Tuesday, along with the building's owner. A week before that there were surveyors on the corner taking some measurements. Given that Resnik (sp?) said during the public hearing that he wanted to start this Fall, I wouldn't be surprised to see the old place coming down in the next few weeks.

[sdm]

I walk by the place every work day. I saw workmen in the first floor unit on Monday/Tuesday, along with the building's owner. A week before that there were surveyors on the corner taking some measurements. Given that Resnik (sp?) said during the public hearing that he wanted to start this Fall, I wouldn't be surprised to see the old place comding down in the next few weeks.

It will be down soon in order to beat the tax roll is my bet.

[Keith P.]

Reznick is offering the Heritage Trust the opportunity to take the houses if they can find somewhere to relocate them. Don't hold your breath.

[someone123]

I guess it's not possible to relocate the apartment building. The Charles Morris House is interesting historically and is worth relocating and restoring. Then again, this should have been looked at a long time ago rather than at the eleventh hour. This is not much of a "concession" on the part of the developer and this building was neglected until it came time to demolish it, as per usual in Halifax.

[BravoZulu]

Well I just checked and the lines are still there, so I'm not sure exactly what they were up to. I must admit it was pretty dark though, so maybe it will be a little more obvious in the daylight.

[sdm]

Reznick is offering the Heritage Trust the opportunity to take the houses if they can find somewhere to relocate them. Don't hold your breath.
Reznick? Reznick isn't behind this development, this is Dexel's development.

[kph06]

Yeah, this is Louie Lawen (probably not the correct spelling, but phonetically it should be right).

[Keith P.]

Reznick? Reznick isn't behind this development, this is Dexel's development.

Ooops, sorry, should have said Dexel.

[Jonovision]

This is from this weeks Coast. I like that it says we should see a crane by February!

Possible respite for Victorian hotel
Dexel Developments offers Nova Scotia Heritage Trust a chance to move the classic buildings at Morris and Hollis.
by Neal Ozano

Dexel Developments owner Louis Lawen has offered a respite for at least one of the three historic buildings at the corner of Hollis and Morris streets. The buildings are slated for demolition. Lawen says he's offered to contribute the value of the demolition of the buildings (about $30,000) to moving the buildings---if the Nova Scotia Heritage Trust can find "a home for the homes."

Lawen made the offer a few weeks ago after being approached by Phil Pacey of the Nova Scotia Heritage Trust.

"We'd like to take that whole cluster of buildings," says Peter Delefes, president of Heritage Trust. He says the buildings can't be moved very far, and that most of the land nearby is owned by Nova Scotia Power. "We're trying to deal with [NSP], and see if they'd be willing to provide any space.

Lawen says the distinctive Victorian Hotel on the corner and, next door, the home of Charles Morris, who designed the layout of Halifax and several other Nova Scotia cities, are probably in no condition to be moved. But Morris's offices on Morris Street, housed in a building separate from the hotel and home, could be moved again---they were originally moved in the early 1900s to make room for the construction of the hotel.

Last Friday, November 6, was the unofficial deadline, but Lawen says that delays in having power lines moved underground near the hotel building are postponing construction, and therefore demolition of the buildings. As well, he says Dexel is still waiting for construction drawings and hasn't hired a contractor. He estimates that cranes will be up by February and that work on the power lines could happen as soon as three weeks. But he's willing to work with the Heritage Trust if an opportunity is presented. "If they said 'Look, we've found a home, but we need some time to move it,' I wouldn't tell him 'Sorry, you're out of time.'

[Dmajackson]

^Its nice to hear it could be possible to move them if NSP agrees. However this sounds like the debate that was sparked when the Trillium was approved and those houses didn't get a new place.

[spaustin]

I can't imagine NSP going for it. Their lot is a prime site for redevelopment and moving a run down old house to it isn't going to do anything for the value of their land, it will only constrain future options. I would be talking to whoever owns some of the smaller parking lots in the area (the one that is on the back of W Suites or maybe one of the two between the Waterford and the Wired Monk). It's more than likely a lost cause, but you never know.

[sdm]

I can't imagine NSP going for it. Their lot is a prime site for redevelopment and moving a run down old house to it isn't going to do anything for the value of their land, it will only constrain future options. I would be talking to whoever owns some of the smaller parking lots in the area (the one that is on the back of W Suites or maybe one of the two between the Waterford and the Wired Monk). It's more than likely a lost cause, but you never know.

soon as a structure is built on those NSP lands then the city can charge a fairly significant tax, therefore not a likely option

Most likely they haven't even have had discussions with NSP

[BravoZulu]

Currently an excavator behind the buildings digging a rather deep hole. I snapped a couple pics with my phone and if they are any good I'll upload them when I get home.

[BravoZulu]

pictures were shite! if you've ever seen an excavator then you've seen my pics, there was absolutely no context to them so I won't bother to post them.

On my way by the site on the way home I noticed a distint lack of barries at the location which leads me to believe that the hole was filled in again.

Any ideas what theymight have been up to?

[fatboy3d]

I spent some time taking photographs of the buildings at the corner of Morris and Hollis Streets. I managed to record some video footages inside the old Victoria Apartments.

Here's the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLuczvRIq8k

It's a shame that the building with connections to Charles Morris (the first Surveyor-General of Nova Scotia) will be demolished. But life goes on, right?

[fenwick16]

I spent some time taking photographs of the buildings at the corner of Morris and Hollis Streets. I managed to record some video footages inside the old Victoria Apartments.

Here's the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLuczvRIq8k

It's a shame that the building with connections to Charles Morris (the first Surveyor-General of Nova Scotia) will be demolished. But life goes on, right?

When was this building built? I checked your video and it certainly looks run down. However, it would be best to restore this building if it is of so much historical significance.

[spaustin]

Well it'll live on in Sim City 4 (made this when I was sad about losing my home).

http://img78.imageshack.us/img78/1301/victoriandayn.jpg

[Dmajackson]

^Nice work spaustin. :tup:

I wish I still had that game. I was the bomb but I someohw managed to lose it and haven't found another copy again ...

[fenwick16]

Well it'll live on in Sim City 4 (made this when I was sad about losing my home).

Great work Spaustin! I enjoyed seeing your SIM city models. There is a link to a thread about it at: http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=147806 . I am posting it for the others on this forum who may not of heard of it.

I saw a SIM city online that was called Halifax Nebraska which used some SIM city models that looked like they were buildings in Halifax, Nova Scotia (I wonder if he used some of your models?).

By the way, are you interested in making a SIM model of a football stadium for Halifax? If it was uploaded to an image website then people on this forum could download it onto various sites in Halifax (maybe it could be overlaid in Bing Maps).

[kph06]

Source: The Chronicle Herald (http://thechronicleherald.ca/Business/1155311.html)

NSP, heritage seek common lot

By GEOFF DAVIES
Mon. Nov 30 - 4:47 AM

Nova Scotia Power Inc. is taking over a downtown Halifax parking lot and is in discussions with a heritage group about using the site to house a centuries-old home.

The utility is booting Canpark Services Ltd. out of its lot at Morris and Lower Water streets on Dec. 19. It plans to dump fill from its nearby construction site into the sunken lot, which is about a four-metre depression at its deepest point.

The property is adjacent to the Victoria Apartments, where four historic buildings are to be demolished. Some of those buildings, at Hollis and Morris streets, were once owned by Charles Morris, a founding father of Halifax.

The Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia is trying to save the oldest building, which dates back almost 230 years. With the wrecking ball looming, the group is looking to move the house to a new location nearby but hasn’t found one yet.

Heritage Trust spokesman Phil Pacey said the Nova Scotia Power property next door would be an ideal spot.

Nova Scotia Power spokesman David Rodenhiser said the utility has been in discussions with the Heritage Trust and other groups.

"As yet, there has been no decision with what we will do with the property," he said.

The power company is building a 110,000-square-foot headquarters at the site of its old power plant on the waterfront. The office complex is to open in 2011.

A Canpark spokesman said levelling the sunken parking lot is simply an economical way for Nova Scotia Power to deal with the large quantities of fill generated by the office construction, but Mr. Rodenhiser is leaving the door open for more construction.

The half-hectare Nova Scotia Power property at 5128 Morris St. has an assessed value of more than $250,000.

The company is "still determining what the final use will be," Mr. Rodenhiser said, adding that a parking garage or lot is one possibility.

Victor Syperek, who lives across the street, said he wouldn’t want a parkade to be built there.

"Those things will steal my sunshine," said Mr. Syperek, who owns the Economy Shoe Shop and other restaurants and bars in downtown Halifax.

He said it would be better if Nova Scotia Power followed the example of some European cities, where parkades sometimes have a public transit hub on the ground floor and a park on the roof.

"It would be nice if (Nova Scotia Power) did something green because they are vilified for burning Venezuelan coal in their power plants," Mr. Syperek said.

The four buildings on the Victoria Apartments property were evaluated for heritage property status in 1988. Three of them qualified but never received heritage status because the owners at the time apparently weren’t interested, city documents suggest.

Dexel Developments Ltd. is preparing to tear down the buildings and begin construction of a 10-storey condominium building. Louis Lawen, president of the Halifax company, said he has been talking with the Heritage Trust and has offered to help pay to move one or more of the buildings.

[someone123]

I doubt NSP would permanently want houses on its large lot but it might be a temporary solution. The reality is that there are plenty of little empty lots nearby that could work eventually, but I don't know what is involved with moving a house.

The "transit hub" seems totally random and unlikely, but it would be good to see something better on that lot. A parkade is not necessarily bad but would need to be well-designed; maybe it would be a test for HbD. Other cities have managed.

[JET]

I spent some time taking photographs of the buildings at the corner of Morris and Hollis Streets. I managed to record some video footages inside the old Victoria Apartments.

Here's the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLuczvRIq8k

It's a shame that the building with connections to Charles Morris (the first Surveyor-General of Nova Scotia) will be demolished. But life goes on, right?

Nice video. The Mel Rusinak video in the related videos is also nice. A friend of mine rented one of the NSP flats on Hollis (a few houses south of the Apts) in the early 80's. He had the second and third floors for $50/month. The film Life Classes was partially filmed there. Lots of nice woodwork in those places; hope some of the wood gets saved. JET

[Takeo]

Umm... the house they want to save have a lot right beside it. Literally right beside it. Next door. Which is also an ugly Canpar surface parking lot. I would be talking to those owners. I can't imagine NSPI wanting to put the house on their property... unless it was somehow incorporated into a new development.

[JET]

http://thechronicleherald.ca/HCW/1155371.html

Nice picture of the Hotel from 1902. JET

[Takeo]

Umm... the house they want to save have a lot right beside it. Literally right beside it. Next door. Which is also an ugly Canpar surface parking lot. I would be talking to those owners. I can't imagine NSPI wanting to put the house on their property... unless it was somehow incorporated into a new development.

[sdm]

It's a shame that the building with connections to Charles Morris (the first Surveyor-General of Nova Scotia) will be demolished. But life goes on, right?

If it was important it should have been protected in my opnion.

This would be the role of a proper Heritage trust, however they have spent most of its efforts on stopping new developments and have allowed properties with historical signifcance to go unregistered and therefore unprotected.

[JET]

If it was important it should have been protected in my opnion.

This would be the role of a proper Heritage trust, however they have spent most of its efforts on stopping new developments and have allowed properties with historical signifcance to go unregistered and therefore unprotected.

Agreed, the lack of a heritage act with teeth allows heritage buildings to not be kept up, and then demolished one year after asking to do so. A real heritage act wouldn't allow either of these situations. JET

[sdm]

Agreed, the lack of a heritage act with teeth allows heritage buildings to not be kept up, and then demolished one year after asking to do so. A real heritage act wouldn't allow either of these situations. JET

I feel the heritage act isn't that bad. That said, what really bothers me is only when a building (non registered) is consider to be demolished is when we hear from the Heritage Trust. The Heritage Trust knew there was significant history to the building and that they should have worked with the owners to find solutions to maintain the building.

They are a reactive body, not a proactive one, and their direction to stop new development is considered backwards to their true role.

[JET]

I feel the heritage act isn't that bad..

How can it be not bad when the act has no ability to protect heritage buildings? JET

[sdm]

How can it be not bad when the act has no ability to protect heritage buildings? JET

In general its not bad, there are certainly elements that need adjusting of course :)

[JET]

In general its not bad, there are certainly elements that need adjusting of course :)

Isn't that a bit like saying that the Titantic wasn't bad, except for a few elements, like the sinking? JET

[someone123]

I feel the heritage act isn't that bad. That said, what really bothers me is only when a building (non registered) is consider to be demolished is when we hear from the Heritage Trust. The Heritage Trust knew there was significant history to the building and that they should have worked with the owners to find solutions to maintain the building.

They are a reactive body, not a proactive one, and their direction to stop new development is considered backwards to their true role.

The Heritage Trust has no particular powers and no funding. Really they are basically a group of hobbyists. The Heritage Advisory Committee can recommend that buildings be registered but that can only happen with the permission of the owner, and even then the owner gets nothing out of it.

The system is essentially ad hoc and worthless. A random person could call up a developer and suggest a "solution" - the important thing is having funding for preservation.

The city should decide how much its heritage is worth and then spend accordingly. Right now the HRM is not investing in its built heritage and so it is slowly disappearing. Even along Barrington they've promised money for restoration for years but in the meantime all they've done is taxed the street and added development restrictions.

[Jonovision]

From todays Herald.

Talks to save historic building continue


By GEOFF DAVIES

A downtown building once belonging to one of Halifax’s founding fathers may yet be saved from the wrecking ball.

The former office of Charles Morris was slated for demolition about a week ago, but those fighting to save it say their cause got a boost last week when the city stepped into the ring.

“I’m optimistic," said Philip Pacey, a spokesman for Heritage Trust of Nova Sco tia. The heritage group has been negotiat ing with Nova Scotia Power Inc. to relocate the building to the utility’s neighbouring property.

“This has now become a full-time con cern of mine," Mr. Pacey said.

Halifax Regional Municipality last week appointed Maggie Holm, a municipal heri tage officer, to serve as a liaison in the dis cussions to move the building at 1273 Hollis St. The building is located next to the old Victoria Apartments building.

Also involved in the talks are the Ecolo gy Action Centre of Halifax and Louis La wen of Dexel Developments Ltd., which plans to build a 10-storey luxury condomi nium at the corner of Hollis and Morris streets.

Mr. Lawen has said in previous weeks he is willing to take what he would spend on demolishing the building — about $30,000 — and put it toward relocating it.

A lot of people are talking about the pos sibility of relocating the building and are excited about the idea, said Ms. Holm.

“That said, there’s a lot of questions still unanswered."

Ms. Holm said some of those questions involve the logistics of moving the build ing, the cost of relocation and how to se cure it from vandals after the move.

“I’m working in a facilitation role to make sure . . . we all have the same an swers."

If negotiations with Nova Scotia Power are successful, the building would be moved to the utility’s neighbouring prop erty at the corner of Lower Water and Mor ris streets.

Nova Scotia Power spokesman David Ro denhiser said the company is looking at providing space next to the sunken park ing lot on the property.

“If we reach an agreement, it would be a temporary solution to buy time for the Her itage Trust to find a permanent home for the building," he said.

The parking lot is scheduled to get filled in after Dec. 19, and the utility won’t rule out a future development at the site, Mr. Ro denhiser told The Chronicle Herald in late November.

“There’s so many factors and it’s shifting sands," Ms. Holm said of the discussions.

“Everything changes with every new piece of information we get."

Ms. Holm said she hopes to have a defi nite answer on the building’s fate in the next couple weeks.

Mr. Pacey said it is also possible that a neighbouring building dating back to the late 19th century may also be moved, al though structural concerns make that less likely. He said all parties are co-operating.

(gdavies@herald.ca)

[BravoZulu]

Hey guys, I meant to post that they had placed concrete barricades all along the hollis street side of this block last night. When I checked today they have begun installing chain link fence on top of the barricades. Looks like we should see things happening soon.

On another note judging by the paint on the road/ siewalks from NSP it looks like all the power lines will be undergrounded down as far as lower water on morris street, and possible up to barrington as well. That will definitely make the area look much better.

[BravoZulu]

The fencing is now completely installed. Interestingly it stops at the north end of the third house instead of surrounding the whole lot.

Is the southern most house Charles Morris' house? If so this may be an indication that it may still stand a chance of being moved.

[spaustin]

The fencing is now completely installed. Interestingly it stops at the north end of the third house instead of surrounding the whole lot.

Is the southern most house Charles Morris' house? If so this may be an indication that it may still stand a chance of being moved.

I noticed the fencing too. Wouldn't be surprised to see it happen this week or next now that the sidewalk and street are blocked off. I believe the Charles Morris House is the middle one. The one on the end is the Abelard or something like that.

[BravoZulu]

I noticed the fencing too. Wouldn't be surprised to see it happen this week or next now that the sidewalk and street are blocked off. I believe the Charles Morris House is the middle one. The one on the end is the Abelard or something like that.

Well I guess that shoots holes in my theory. I wonder why they didn't surround the whole site?

[BravoZulu]

The windows have been removed from the top floor

[Dmajackson]

Groups confident historic building will be spared
By GEOFF DAVIES
Tue. Dec 15 - 4:45 AM

The future of a historic downtown Halifax building is looking brighter, and groups trying to save it from the wrecking ball say they hope to know its fate as early as today.

"There’s still a few little things to work out, but most of the lights are green," said Philip Pacey, spokesman for the Heritage Trust.

"It’s mainly a matter of getting on paper all of the oral assurances that we’ve gotten."

The trust and the Ecology Action Centre have partnered to move the building at 1273 Hollis St., which was slated for demolition as Dexel Developments Ltd. prepares to build a 10-storey condominium building on the lot. The building dates to the 18th century and once served as the office of Charles Morris, a founding father of Halifax.

Mr. Pacey said the groups have gathered roughly two-thirds of the estimated cost of moving the building to a neighbouring property, thanks to contributions from the developers and the city. He said the Heritage Trust hopes to raise the rest with public donations.

The groups have spoken with movers and hope to contract one as early as today, Mr. Pacey said.

According to David Rodenhiser, spokesman for Nova Scotia Power Inc., discussions to move the building onto the utility’s neighbouring property are ongoing.

If a deal is reached, the building could be kept there for three years.

Kim Thompson, who heads up the Ecology Action Centre’s efforts, said she’s hopeful they will soon reach an agreement with the utility.

"It has to be (today)," Ms. Thompson said, explaining that crews have already started taking down other buildings on the property, including the old Victoria Apartments building.

If a deal to move the Morris building is reached, then the relocation could begin by Saturday, she said. If not, then it could be coming down this weekend instead.

Ms. Thompson said the story of the Morris office has captured the imagination of Haligonians, and she’s hopeful it will have a happy ending.

"I think people are waking up to the fact that there are so many buildings coming down so quickly that if we don’t act wisely, we’re going to be turning around and saying, ‘What happened?’ "

( gdavies@herald.ca )

[spaustin]

Nice to see the Trust getting down in the trenches and seeking to raise money to save the Morris House. Halifax could really use a non-profit body who not only advocated for heritage preservation, but actually went out and did some themselves. That's what happens in many other cities. With the Trust also endorsing the changes for Fenwick perhaps its a sign of a new direction under Delefes.

I walked by the site today too (as I do every work day) and the windows are gone on most of the 3rd floor now too, including in my old apartment. You can also see that part of the roof is gone on the Morris Street portion.

[sdm]

Nice to see the Trust getting down in the trenches and seeking to raise money to save the Morris House. Halifax could really use a non-profit body who not only advocated for heritage preservation, but actually went out and did some themselves. That's what happens in many other cities. With the Trust also endorsing the changes for Fenwick perhaps its a sign of a new direction under Delefes.

I walked by the site today too (as I do every work day) and the windows are gone on most of the 3rd floor now too, including in my old apartment. You can also see that part of the roof is gone on the Morris Street portion.

This approach is nothing new for the trust. In the end they will be unsuccessful, but at least they can claim they "tried" to save it.

Remember during the waterside fight they motion to get tenants for the buildings, only to find there was none...

[fenwick16]

In this case I really feel thankful for their effort in saving this heritage house.

[BravoZulu]

This approach is nothing new for the trust. In the end they will be unsuccessful, but at least they can claim they "tried" to save it.

Remember during the waterside fight they motion to get tenants for the buildings, only to find there was none...

I think you make a good point here which seems to repeat with the HT and is one reason that IMO they are ineffective.

Why is it that they wait till the last minute to try and do anthing? This proposal has been around for how long? Instead of waiting until the 11th hour and then hoping the stars align to move the house (to a location where it can only remain for 3 years) why didn't they begin when this development proposal came forward. Instead of opposing the development they could have started working to allow a good proposal to go forward while moving a historically significanbuilding to another site as infill.

Ok, I think thats enough venting for tonight.

[worldlyhaligonian]

Well said... I really do hope they actually save it, but it looks inlikely... why not use it for part of the Alexander redevelopment somewhere, they could use the front facad of the house as the infill portion next to Keith Hall or whatever it is called.

[worldlyhaligonian]

Well said... I really do hope they actually save it, but it looks inlikely... why not use it for part of the Alexander redevelopment somewhere, they could use the front facad of the house as the infill portion next to Keith Hall or whatever it is called.

Also it would be two siginficantly historic buildings next to eachother and the dormers on the Morris house are nice!

[someone123]

The Ecology Action Centre has a news release about possibly saving the Morris building: http://www.ecologyaction.ca/content/environment-and-heritage-working-together-against-time

It is actually more historically significant than I thought. This is the kind of heritage project that I think is totally worthwhile - putting in a bit more effort to preserve a real part of the city's history. It makes lots of sense to allow for more intensive development downtown but to use some of the proceeds to relocate the old buildings that they replace. There are plenty of little holes on the peninsula that could accommodate a historic house or commercial building.

[Takeo]

This is great news. One question... does this mark the first time the Heritage Trust has ever actually saved a building instead of a parking lot? When did they change their mandate? LOL. Seriously though... it's great to see them actually doing something rather than simply railing against development.

[BravoZulu]

I really hope they can move this as well, if in fact this is a new trend for the Heritage Trust they may just find Bravozulu amongst their ranks someday soon. I think that preserving heritage is a fatastic mandate (and by that I don't mean always moving buildings to allow for develpment) I just wouldn't want to be part of previous obstructionism.

Here's to hoping that the move goes ahead and sets a precedent for other developments.

Cheers

[sdm]

I really hope they can move this as well, if in fact this is a new trend for the Heritage Trust they may just find Bravozulu amongst their ranks someday soon. I think that preserving heritage is a fatastic mandate (and by that I don't mean always moving buildings to allow for develpment) I just wouldn't want to be part of previous obstructionism.

Here's to hoping that the move goes ahead and sets a precedent for other developments.

Cheers

Again, this is just a grand stand event folks. They will never raise enough money to move this building. They already know this by now.

[worldlyhaligonian]

Again, this is just a grand stand event folks. They will never raise enough money to move this building. They already know this by now.

You are probably correct, but who knows.

[spaustin]

There's a steamshovel on site today tearing things up around back. I'm assuming the run down piece rear addition on the Morris House isn't part of the piece that they want to save because it's gone now. I'll post some pics later.

[hfx_chris]

Is it an actual steam shovel? :D

[worldlyhaligonian]

The irony, lol

[kph06]

Its the middle building they want to save right? Because today I drove by twice, first time Councilor Watts was on site, the next time a bunch of people were checking out cuts in the foundation. There was an 18-wheeler loaded with railway ties, so it looks like an attempt will be made. I checked online and NSP owns the land completely surrounding the site, so it could be moved just down Hollis Street instead of the soon to be un-sunken lot. Personally I feel the end house is much more interesting than the middle one.

[BravoZulu]

Walked past about an hour ago and the house appears to be sitting on two metal I beams, so I would definitely say they're going to move it.

I have to agree that the southern most house is far more interesting to look at.

[worldlyhaligonian]

They should save both houses or at least their facades!

[BravoZulu]

The house has moved! Not very far, it's just sitting at the back of the lot now, but it's up on the truck and away from the street. Pretty coold to see.

[spaustin]

Just some pics from the site

They've started demolishing the three house (Abelard?). My "steam shovel" ;) is parked next to it.
http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/7226/pics001resize.jpg
The old Victoria hotel is looking pretty beat up. The roof is going fast. Today workers were taking the parapet off on the Hollis side.
http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/781/pics007resize.jpg
And a site to behold, the Charles Morris House is moving for the second time in its history.
http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/9619/pics005resize.jpg

[Takeo]

I wonder if they're just gonna leave it sitting on the trucks for 3 years. Kinda like the urban version of the school bus on cinder blocks. LOL.

[Halifax Hillbilly]

They got it moved :tup: A sincere well done to the Heritage Trust. Hopefully this is the start of many successful preservation efforts.

[Dmajackson]

Many partners ensure a bright future for a piece of Halifax history

(Monday, December 21, 2009) - A circa 1760 building that is among the oldest in Halifax will be relocated this evening thanks to the hard work and partnership of a group of determined individuals and organizations.

Together, the Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia, the Ecology Action Centre, Dexel Developments Limited , Nova Scotia Power, Halifax Regional Municipality and three of its Councillors, worked to save and relocate the Charles Morris office building.

“The relocation of this building speaks to the positive things that can happen when many people come together with a common interest and a shared will to see it through,” said Mayor Peter Kelly.

The Hollis Street structure will be moved sometime after 6 p.m. to a temporary lot on Morris Street near Lower Water Street made available by Nova Scotia Power.

The utility is leasing the land to Heritage Trust at a cost of one dollar per year, while the Trust works to find a permanent home for the building named after its owner Charles Morris. The first Chief Surveyor of Nova Scotia. Mr. Morris laid out the original streets and property lines for the former City of Halifax.

“We’re delighted that so many people have come together to preserve this building, one that we feel is a significant part of the city’s history,” said Philip Pacey of Heritage Trust. “I like to think Mr. Morris would be pleased as well.”

The building, among the four oldest in Halifax but lacking a heritage designation, stood on a piece of land at Hollis and Morris Street that is to be redeveloped by Dexel Developments. The developer transferred the ownership of the Morris Building to Heritage Trust.

Halifax Downtown Councillor Dawn Sloane, Lower Sackville Councillor Bob Harvey, and Connaught-Quinpool Councillor Jennifer Watts each contributed to the cost of the move.

“I’m proud to see such a concerted effort in such a short time to ensure this valuable piece of our history is preserved well into the future,” said Councillor Sloane. “It’s a testament to what we can do to preserve heritage while ensuring there is also room for new development in our downtown.”

Kim Thompson of the Ecology Action Centre said the moving and adaptive re-use of the Morris property demonstrates a viable alternative to landfilling buildings, and reinforces old traditions of moving buildings.

Robin McAdam, executive vice president of sustainability for Nova Scotia Power, said the company is pleased to provide a temporary home for the Morris Building.

“It's in keeping with the philosophy behind our Lower Water Street project: instead of demolishing an old power plant, we're transforming it into a modern, environmentally sustainable office building,” Mr. McAdam said. “Similarly, we hope the Heritage Trust will find a new
purpose and place to sustain the Morris Building.”

[worldlyhaligonian]

This is a message to the Heritage Trust:

Well done, this is what you should continue doing. Saving heritage instead of promoting it will make you successful and respected in Halifax. Not being obstructionist, but saving heritage should be your mandate.

Now, move the Morris house and restore it in a great infill location... turn it into a museum so that it can generate revenue and face a different tax strucutre.