[Jonovision]

From todays Herald. Hopefully we will soon see some renderings.


Downtown makeover in the wings

Project to include much of city block


By BRUCE ERSKINE

Business Reporter

The reconfiguration of a good chunk of downtown Halifax real estate could start as early as October or as late as next spring, says restaurateur and developer Chris Tzaneteas.

“We’re getting ready to put in a pre-application with HRM," he said in an interview on Wednesday.

Tzaneteas and his business partner Costa Elles own several downtown restaurants and bars, including Opa Greek Taverna , The Argyle Bar and Grill , and Mosaic Social Din ing , all on Argyle Street.

They are planning an $11-million development that will include a 47-unit, four storey apartment complex in the space now occupied by the National Film Board building at 1572 Barrington St.

The film board building, formerly the St. Mary’s Young Men’s Total Abstinence and Benevolent Society Hall, was destroyed by fire in 1991.

The proposed development, which will include 18,000 square feet of retail space, will extend over the top of The Ar gyle and around a renovated Opa to the Farquhar Building at the corner of Barrington and Blowers streets.

The Farquhar now houses a

Venus Pizza outlet.

The developers have been awarded a $100,000 grant to maintain historic facades un der the Halifax by Design mu nicipal planning strategy’s Barrington Street Heritage Conservation District desig nation.

They have also been ap proved for $600,000 in related tax credits.

Tzaneteas said the grant and the credits don’t kick in until the development is finished.

“We have to spend at least $100,000 on facades," he said, adding that the tax credits aren’t funds coming out of municipal coffers.

“It looks like we’re getting $700,000 but we’re not."

Tzaneteas said the devel opment, which is slightly smaller than originally planned, isn’t contingent on a decision to build a new con vention centre on the former Halifax Herald lands on Argyle Street.

The province recently ex tended property owner Rank Inc. ’ s deadline until Monday to come up with more detailed plans for a new centre before it decides whether it wants to negotiate a contract with the developer.

“Argyle is a great street, regardless of the convention centre," said Tzaneteas.

Tzaneteas said the only thing that might affect the plans he does have is financ ing.

“I haven’t secured financing yet," he said, although he is in talks with a couple of lenders.

“It looks good but it’s a com plicated process," he said, suggesting that financing com plications could delay the pro ject start date to next spring.

“We’re 60 per cent there," he said. “I feel confident."

If it does proceed, the pro ject won’t include the Tip Top Tailors building at 1592 Bar rington St., which the partners have decided not to purchase.

“There were too many condi tions," Tzaneteas said.

(berskine@herald.ca)

[halifaxboyns]

From todays Herald. Hopefully we will soon see some renderings.


Downtown makeover in the wings

Project to include much of city block


By BRUCE ERSKINE

Business Reporter

The reconfiguration of a good chunk of downtown Halifax real estate could start as early as October or as late as next spring, says restaurateur and developer Chris Tzaneteas.

“We’re getting ready to put in a pre-application with HRM," he said in an interview on Wednesday.

Tzaneteas and his business partner Costa Elles own several downtown restaurants and bars, including Opa Greek Taverna , The Argyle Bar and Grill , and Mosaic Social Din ing , all on Argyle Street.

They are planning an $11-million development that will include a 47-unit, four storey apartment complex in the space now occupied by the National Film Board building at 1572 Barrington St.

The film board building, formerly the St. Mary’s Young Men’s Total Abstinence and Benevolent Society Hall, was destroyed by fire in 1991.

The proposed development, which will include 18,000 square feet of retail space, will extend over the top of The Ar gyle and around a renovated Opa to the Farquhar Building at the corner of Barrington and Blowers streets.

The Farquhar now houses a

Venus Pizza outlet.

The developers have been awarded a $100,000 grant to maintain historic facades un der the Halifax by Design mu nicipal planning strategy’s Barrington Street Heritage Conservation District desig nation.

They have also been ap proved for $600,000 in related tax credits.

Tzaneteas said the grant and the credits don’t kick in until the development is finished.

“We have to spend at least $100,000 on facades," he said, adding that the tax credits aren’t funds coming out of municipal coffers.

“It looks like we’re getting $700,000 but we’re not."

Tzaneteas said the devel opment, which is slightly smaller than originally planned, isn’t contingent on a decision to build a new con vention centre on the former Halifax Herald lands on Argyle Street.

The province recently ex tended property owner Rank Inc. ’ s deadline until Monday to come up with more detailed plans for a new centre before it decides whether it wants to negotiate a contract with the developer.

“Argyle is a great street, regardless of the convention centre," said Tzaneteas.

Tzaneteas said the only thing that might affect the plans he does have is financ ing.

“I haven’t secured financing yet," he said, although he is in talks with a couple of lenders.

“It looks good but it’s a com plicated process," he said, suggesting that financing com plications could delay the pro ject start date to next spring.

“We’re 60 per cent there," he said. “I feel confident."

If it does proceed, the pro ject won’t include the Tip Top Tailors building at 1592 Bar rington St., which the partners have decided not to purchase.

“There were too many condi tions," Tzaneteas said.

(berskine@herald.ca)

Finally some progress on the site - watch; the heritage trust will be right in there with something in the paper tomorrow.

[someone123]

I don't really see anybody fighting this. I think the biggest risk for this project is red tape.

[halifaxboyns]

I don't really see anybody fighting this. I think the biggest risk for this project is red tape.

Perhaps - I think it would go through the site plan approval process; versus the other stream in HbD. But still; I have my doubts that the HT will be quiet on this.

Just wait for it - they will say something...

[fenwick16]

Perhaps - I think it would go through the site plan approval process; versus the other stream in HbD. But still; I have my doubts that the HT will be quiet on this.

Just wait for it - they will say something...

If the Heritage Trust tries to stop this one, then we will know that the Heritage Trust no longer is a relevant organization.

[JustinMacD]

4 stories does nothing for me in the heart of the city.

It will help revitalize Barrington a little bit though.

[JET]

4 stories does nothing for me in the heart of the city.
It will help revitalize Barrington a little bit though.


Sometimes it's the LITTLE things in life... JET

[JustinMacD]

Sometimes it's the LITTLE things in life... JET

Yeah. I really can't see a lot of businesses piling into Barrington anytime soon.. so it might be cool to turn it into more of a medium-density residential place.

Is anything going in that building on Salter's and Barrington? The one across from the Aliant Building. I think it was like a Masonic Lodge or something before. That would be a nice place for something like this.

[Jonovision]

Is anything going in that building on Salter's and Barrington? The one across from the Aliant Building. I think it was like a Masonic Lodge or something before. That would be a nice place for something like this.

Yes, offices are upstairs. I'm not sure who exactly. Another outdoor store has moved into the lower retail space on Salter and a restaurant is moving in on Barrington.

[JET]

Yes, offices are upstairs. I'm not sure who exactly. Another outdoor store has moved into the lower retail space on Salter and a restaurant is moving in on Barrington.

Tao outdoor equip moved there from Bayers Lake. JET

[someone123]

Yeah. I really can't see a lot of businesses piling into Barrington anytime soon.

I could see it dramatically improving if things go reasonably well. I don't think Barrington will have large department stores again but I think it could easily support a mix of restaurants, shops for locals, and interesting retail along the lines of Freak Lunchbox and others that are already there.

One of the big issues with retail is that clusters of stores tend to do better, and right now that can't happen because too many of the storefronts are tied up one way or another. Beyond this, there aren't enough people living in the immediate area to help balance things out. Another problem is that the street itself is run down and ugly looking.

The NFB development if it happens will be huge for Barrington even though it's only four floors. Right now the NFB building is the number one eyesore on the street.

[halifaxboyns]

The only real way that downtown will grow and evolve is to add more people. Apparently the trillium has very few units left and the King's Wharf project is selling well (I am waiting for one of the taller buildings to come on the market to put in an offer).

With more people an evolution of downtown will occur:

You will see more people taking the ferry across the harbour to work;
Businesses that once struggled on the weekends will start seeing better business numbers and expand;
More NEW businesses will open up;
Downtown will start having vitality and life again because there will be people in it; all the time;
Transit service will be busy all week long versus just the rush hours or for special events.


That's just a quick list of things I could think of - but with more people in the core; lots of this will occur. If you take locations outside of the viewplanes or get rid of the Brightwood viewplane in Dartmouth; I could easily see adding at least 20,000 on the Halifax side and the same if not more on the Dartmouth side. Why that industrial parcel by King's Wharf - if redeveloped; alone could probably bring about 5 to 8,000.

Then if you add in redevelopment of areas such as Agricola Street, the Robie Street Car dealership and the quinpool road corridor - I suspect you could probably add another 15 to 20,000 in those areas too. With them being so close to the core; people would probably visit downtown more too.

[someone123]

Unfortunately with downtown retailers in Halifax there's been a bit of an obsession with attracting suburbanites and competing with suburban stores by offering parking and so on. I think that attitude's been really harmful to areas like Barrington. Barrington is never going to compete with Wal-Mart on the basis of cheap goods and free parking. It's also totally unreasonable to think that somebody living in Sackville is going to drive an extra hour whenever they want to do some shopping.

I agree that by far the best thing for the city right now is to get another 30,000-50,000 people living in the core.

[JustinMacD]

Is this it?

http://www.housenumbers.ca/HfxNFB.jpg

[someone123]

Yes, that is the NFB site.

[JustinMacD]

Ok, I change my opinion. This building is much bigger than I thought. It'd be a great project.

[someone123]

There's also this building on the Argyle Street side: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&q=Argyle+St,+Halifax,+Halifax+County,+Nova+Scotia+B3J,+Canada&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=43.528905,93.076172&ie=UTF8&cd=1&geocode=FbhDqQId3us1_A&split=0&hq=&hnear=Argyle+St,+Halifax,+Nova+Scotia,+Canada&t=h&z=16&layer=c&cbll=44.645461,-63.573968&panoid=Prt2wziXxKxsggjjXd5a0w&cbp=12,111.6,,0,0.58

I believe it was originally connected to the NFB building (several go right through the block from Barrington) and was three storeys on Argyle.

The Farquhar Building on the corner is also in somewhat rough shape but would probably look great after some work.

[Keith P.]

Is this it?


Yep. Ugly old thing. Should have had a date with a bulldozer a decade ago. Another waste of tax dollars, both to preserve the facade after it burned down and now to incorporate that undistinguished facade into a new red-brick faux-Victorian.

[JustinMacD]

Yep. Ugly old thing. Should have had a date with a bulldozer a decade ago. Another waste of tax dollars, both to preserve the facade after it burned down and now to incorporate that undistinguished facade into a new red-brick faux-Victorian.

At least as an apartment it will be kept in good shape. I actually think that this thing has potential to be really nice looking once it's re-done.

Nice location as well.

[halifaxboyns]

Unfortunately with downtown retailers in Halifax there's been a bit of an obsession with attracting suburbanites and competing with suburban stores by offering parking and so on. I think that attitude's been really harmful to areas like Barrington. Barrington is never going to compete with Wal-Mart on the basis of cheap goods and free parking. It's also totally unreasonable to think that somebody living in Sackville is going to drive an extra hour whenever they want to do some shopping.

I agree that by far the best thing for the city right now is to get another 30,000-50,000 people living in the core.

Its the same here in Calgary. 11th Avenue (also known as Electric avenue) has been trying to pull shoppers from the burbs with trendy flower and home decor stores. They are able to do it reasonably well because they can park on the various side streets or at the safeway parking lot near by.

The downside for Halifax is that there is much less on street parking available and the distribution of parking garages through downtown is a little off (at least in my mind) since you have Scotia Square, then the MetroPark and then City Centre Atlantic and that lot that will soon be the library.

If the retails in the main core blocks of Barrington Street want to attract those people; there would have to be some sort of parkade in the middle as well - oh whoops; isn't that the convention centre site? Oh silly me... haha.

Seriously though; if the convention centre offered public parking on the weekends, then they could have some chance.

I was doing some rough density calculations on the Quinpool, Agricola corridors. If the density of the parcels was 250 units/hectare and up; and you built at minimum of 10 stories - Agricola (between North and the commons) could have about 8,000 people and Quinpool would be about the same. If you pushed it up to 15 stories, about 10,000 and 20 was pushing 15,000. Now this is all rough math - but if both sites brought in 15,000 each; there is 30,000 new shoppers for the downtown core that could walk, bike or take transit to the stores.

[someone123]

Anybody know what's happening with this?

[someone123]

Perhaps it's just doomed to sit in this state forever. It's already been 16 years or so...

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/5157119620_361ecc8a3c_b.jpg
Source (http://www.flickr.com/photos/saigin/5157119620/sizes/l/)

[fenwick16]

Perhaps it's just doomed to sit in this state forever. It's already been 16 years or so...


I think that Councillor Sloane would know the status since it is in her district. Maybe somebody could contact her by email and ask. I would like to know the status also.

[Keith P.]

A Cat D8 bulldozer could fix that place right up... ;-)

[halifaxboyns]

I thought there was a permit through the site planning process of HbD with the greek restaurant involved; that would have residential above this?

[Jonovision]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/jonovision/IMG_4835.jpg?t=1289531868

[someone123]

This photo is actually of the back side of the Green Lantern building. Anybody know if and when they plan to move forward with a large-scale restoration and the facade improvements on the rear?

[Jonovision]

This photo is actually of the back side of the Green Lantern building. Anybody know if and when they plan to move forward with a large-scale restoration and the facade improvements on the rear?

I realized I did that after I went to bed. I don't think that project has its own thread though. So it can stay here.

[Jonovision]

Planning moves forward for NFB site


By JOANN ALBERSTAT

Business Reporter

The redevelopment of the Na­tional Film Board building in downtown Halifax could begin some time in the next six months, says restaurateur and developer Chris Tzaneteas.

Tzaneteas and business part­ner Costa Elles had hoped to begin the project last fall or this spring.

“It really comes down to fi­nancing," Tzaneteas said in an interview Monday. “Once we get the financing in place, then we can move forward."

He and Elles own Opa Greek Taverna and The Argyle Bar & Grill , both on Argyle Street.

Their latest venture is a $13-million development that will include a 55-unit, four­storey apartment complex in the space now occupied by the film board building at 1572 Barring­ton St.

The National Film Board building, formerly the St. Ma­ry’s Young Men’s Total Absti­nence and Benevolent Society Hall, was destroyed by fire in 1991.

The proposed development, which includes 25,000 square feet of retail space, will extend over the top of The Argyle Bar & Grill and around a revamped Opa to the Farquhar Building at the corner of Barrington and Blowers streets.

The Farquhar Building, at 1558 Barrington St., now houses a Venus Pizza & Lebanese Cuisine outlet.

The proposed development was originally estimated to cost $8 million, but that figure has risen because the scope of the project is “a little bit bigger" than expected, Tzaneteas said.

“It’s complicated building in downtown Halifax," he said.

“It’s not as easy as building something up in Clayton Park or Bayers Lake."

The developers have been awarded a $100,000 grant to maintain historic facades under the Halifax by Design municipal planning strategy’s Barrington Street Heritage Conservation District designation. They have also been approved for $600,000 in related tax credits once the development is finished.

Tzaneteas said the developers have met with officials from Halifax Regional Municipality in advance of filing their planning application.

“They were very positive.

There were a couple of items that they needed to look at and give us comments back. We’re currently waiting for their re­marks.

“It wasn’t anything on the design. It was more building code, safety kind of issues."

When the project is ready to begin, construction will start on Barrington Street, not Argyle, he said.

(jalberstat@herald.ca)

[someone123]

So they still don't have approval and also need financing? Is six months realistic?

Good to hear that construction will start on Barrington and that NFB isn't some future phase to be built after other renovations. Replacing the burned-out husk of a building on Barrington will make a dramatic difference to the feel of the street.

[fenwick16]

This presentation (http://www.heritagecanada.org/eng/Conf2010/Presentations/David%20Garrett%20-%20Heritage%20Interiors.pdf) has some Espace related pictures, but also interior photos from Morse's Tea Building and several others on Barrington.

ScovaNotian posted this in the Espace thread. The posted link has some slides of the NFB development that should be starting construction soon (based on the story posted by Jonovision on March 15, 2011). In the link (http://www.heritagecanada.org/eng/Conf2010/Presentations/David%20Garrett%20-%20Heritage%20Interiors.pdf) the NFB slides are from page 40 - 46.

[worldlyhaligonian]

Great news.

[someone123]

Still a disaster: http://www.flickr.com/photos/demne/6017342797/

[Keith P.]

This thing should have been knocked down a decade ago. It is a perfect example of decay in the downtown caused by misguided heritage sympathizers.

[Empire]

Still a disaster: http://www.flickr.com/photos/demne/6017342797/

This type of building is what makes Halifax great!

Not the Vic, not Waterside, not the Paramount, not Armoury Sq., not the Waterton & the list of nots goes on & on & on.

[fenwick16]

This type of building is what makes Halifax great!

Not the Vic, not Waterside, not the Paramount, not Armoury Sq., not the Waterton & the list of nots goes on & on & on.

I think these buildings help make Halifax an interesting city but so do Purdy's Wharf, 1801 Hollis, Maritime Centre, the Paramount, Armoury Sq., the Vic, etc., etc. There is no reason why architecture in Halifax should have come to a halt 100 years ago. Much of the architecture from 100 - 200 years ago was wood siding; would that be acceptable in Halifax today?

[someone123]

The architecture of the building is mostly beside the point, which is that it's crazy that this has sat on Barrington in this state for 20 years. I really hope that this gets redeveloped soon because it is a black eye for the city that many visitors see. It makes Halifax look like a dump.

[halifaxboyns]

After the first ten years; this building should've been taken down if all it was going to be was held up and made to look this bad.

[someone123]

The redevelopment of the Na­tional Film Board building in downtown Halifax could begin some time in the next six months, says restaurateur and developer Chris Tzaneteas.

I wonder what's going on with this? It's been almost a year since the news article announcing that the development should be moving forward. It would be great to see this happen along with the CD Plus redevelopment, but it has been stuck in limbo for years.

[halifaxboyns]

I wonder what's going on with this? It's been almost a year since the news article announcing that the development should be moving forward. It would be great to see this happen along with the CD Plus redevelopment, but it has been stuck in limbo for years.

Like I mentioned in one of the other threads, the beltline here in Calgary had a bunch of projects announce they were coming off the shelf and then they ran into financing problems.

I suspect this might be the same thing - from what I'm hearing, lenders are now tripple checking things to make sure that loans they guarenteed are worth it (and in some cases making developers start the process all over again). I don't know if the last part is the case out here, but I've heard that happened to a couple developers here in Calgary.

[Waye Mason]

Like I mentioned in one of the other threads, the beltline here in Calgary had a bunch of projects announce they were coming off the shelf and then they ran into financing problems.

I suspect this might be the same thing - from what I'm hearing, lenders are now tripple checking things to make sure that loans they guarenteed are worth it (and in some cases making developers start the process all over again). I don't know if the last part is the case out here, but I've heard that happened to a couple developers here in Calgary.

This is global, has been since 2008. International finance markets are weak and lack confidence, making it harder and harder to build...

[worldlyhaligonian]

We aren't talking about a major skyscraper here, this redevelopment could only be a few million bucks.

I bet this is held up by red tape somewhere along the line.

[Waye Mason]

We aren't talking about a major skyscraper here, this redevelopment could only be a few million bucks.

I bet this is held up by red tape somewhere along the line.

Did you ever watch "Flip This House" back in 2007 or so? Ever wonder why a 25 year old working at Starbucks was able to get a $1 million mortgage with no money down? Then the economy collapsed and that went way.

Things are tighter at all level of risk, not just subprime. My understanding is that these guys are not big time developers, and I suspect that it is just a lot harder for them to get financing now than when they conceived of their plan.

So even for a small development, tighter rules around having leases signed, cash in the bank could slow them down.

That said, Halifax is all over red tape. I don't think the approval process is our problem as much as the post-approval process of getting 18 different HRM departments to sign off on your project.

[beyeas]

Did you ever watch "Flip This House" back in 2007 or so? Ever wonder why a 25 year old working at Starbucks was able to get a $1 million mortgage with no money down? Then the economy collapsed and that went way.

Things are tighter at all level of risk, not just subprime. My understanding is that these guys are not big time developers, and I suspect that it is just a lot harder for them to get financing now than when they conceived of their plan.

So even for a small development, tighter rules around having leases signed, cash in the bank could slow them down.

That said, Halifax is all over red tape. I don't think the approval process is our problem as much as the post-approval process of getting 18 different HRM departments to sign off on your project.

Yeah I went back and re-read the article from the property owners that started this thread. The had at the time stated that the project would start last fall or at the latest this spring, and at the time the identified that their biggest challenge was securing financing.

[someone123]

Yeah, not surprised about financing, but either way it's unfortunate that this hasn't gotten off the ground.

They had problems for a couple of years because they applied for a federal heritage grant and then the program was cut. After that they went to the city and it took some time for the Barrington heritage district stuff to be sorted out.

[Keith P.]

Yep. Ugly old thing. Should have had a date with a bulldozer a decade ago. Another waste of tax dollars, both to preserve the facade after it burned down and now to incorporate that undistinguished facade into a new red-brick faux-Victorian.

Still my view.

[fenwick16]

According to the allnovascotia.com, the NFB redevelopment will be going ahead. The proposal is for 16 residential units contained within 5 storeys and 3,000 square feet of retail on the ground floor. (source: Caryi Buys More Barrington, allnovascotia.com, Wed, Jan 2nd, 2013 edition).

I think this is great news. I think the NFB building is a great old building and the shell will be restored.

[someone123]

Yeah, it is wonderful news, and it explains some delay in the development. The former owners had plans but I'm not sure they are used to developing properties like this and they seemed to have trouble getting financing. The new owner was behind the Freemasons Building restoration and has experience managing many heritage properties on Barrington. In some ways this might even be easier than a restoration project since it is pretty much a new build.

The streetscape along the west side of Barrington is going to be pretty nice with the new NFB, 1592, and Barrington Espace. I think the new TD building will also have a positive impact on the feel of the street. Aside from the NFB building the only big remaining problem on Barrington is the empty lot at George Street; that probably only still exists at this point because it is government-owned. Hopefully the province will develop it soon. It would also be nice to see restoration work on the Green Lantern Building and the Pacific Building.

[Keith P.]

While it will be good to have the ugly facade of the NFB used for something, that streetscape will remain unattractive and foreboding until its neighbors are all either knocked down or redeveloped. That is a scar on Barrington that should have been fixed long ago.

[Drybrain]

While it will be good to have the ugly facade of the NFB used for something, that streetscape will remain unattractive and foreboding until its neighbors are all either knocked down or redeveloped.

Well, the building next door at 1566 has been quite beautifully fixed up, the redevelopment at 1592/Cd Plus is going ahead, and the Tramway building as well seems to be in some intermediate stage of repair. Things actually look pretty good to me—vastly better than a couple of years ago.

And no, neither the Khyber or the building immediately south of it (which could use a good cleaning, to be fair) are going anywhere, so that's just sort of that.

[someone123]

The middle (Neptune/"Ford") building is interesting. It does not have a storefront because it was built as a house in 1821, back before Barrington was a major commercial street. In some ways I think it would have been better if these had been replaced by a larger building, like the former Eaton's building for example, but they are still interesting architecturally.

Things actually look pretty good to me—vastly better than a couple of years ago.

I think we'll see a "night and day" difference along this stretch of Barrington over the next couple of years, partly because of what's happening on the street but also partly because of what's happening a couple of blocks away. The Nova Centre will be about 100 paces from Barrington and Sackville, and the Southwest apartment building will have hundreds of residents who would be well-served by businesses along Barrington.

[halifaxboyns]

The middle (Neptune/"Ford") building is interesting. It does not have a storefront because it was built as a house in 1821, back before Barrington was a major commercial street. In some ways I think it would have been better if these had been replaced by a larger building, like the former Eaton's building for example, but they are still interesting architecturally.

I think we'll see a "night and day" difference along this stretch of Barrington over the next couple of years, partly because of what's happening on the street but also partly because of what's happening a couple of blocks away. The Nova Centre will be about 100 paces from Barrington and Sackville, and the Southwest apartment building will have hundreds of residents who would be well-served by businesses along Barrington.

It will really be interesting to see this stretch in the next 5-10 years. I think Someone123 is right and more so, this may become one of the best examples of change (Spring Garden Road, IMO being the best example).

I've also noticed that the recent CH article on the businesses closing down on Barrington wasn't the typical doom and gloom of downtown. It was more along the lines of - this is the cycle of business, but new businesses will open up and more people are coming. That to me, shows a sign of shifting attitudes.

[spaustin]

They interviewed the new owner of the property on CBC this afternoon (sale is closing today). Apparently it's going to be 5 storeys with a mix of studio and 3 bedroom apartments on the top four floors. If everything lines up, he's hoping to get started in May. My guess is that deadline will slip as there are bound to be complications in figuring out how to build a new building behind the old NFB facade. The whole development is contingent on the engineers not finding that, after 22 years, the facade is too far gone to save. If that turns out to be the case, than Keith may still get his wish.

[JET]

They interviewed the new owner of the property on CBC this afternoon (sale is closing today). Apparently it's going to be 5 storeys with a mix of studio and 3 bedroom apartments on the top four floors. If everything lines up, he's hoping to get started in May. My guess is that deadline will slip as there are bound to be complications in figuring out how to build a new building behind the old NFB facade. The whole development is contingent on the engineers not finding that, after 22 years, the facade is too far gone to save. If that turns out to be the case, than Keith may still get his wish.

given what they have been able to do with other old brick and stone facades in Halifax, I expect that they should be able to keep the facade. It is too bad that the sandblasting that was done decades ago messed up the detailing on the building

[Drybrain]

They interviewed the new owner of the property on CBC this afternoon (sale is closing today). Apparently it's going to be 5 storeys with a mix of studio and 3 bedroom apartments on the top four floors. If everything lines up, he's hoping to get started in May. My guess is that deadline will slip as there are bound to be complications in figuring out how to build a new building behind the old NFB facade. The whole development is contingent on the engineers not finding that, after 22 years, the facade is too far gone to save. If that turns out to be the case, than Keith may still get his wish.

According to this heritage committee doc from a few years ago, the plan was then also to restore the mansard roof. http://www.halifax.ca/council/agendasc/documents/100420ca1131.pdf

I imagine that given that, and the overall terrible shape of the facade, the project will include not only restoration, but some reconstruction as well.

[Keith P.]

Faux-heritage. Just wonderful. :slob:

[fenwick16]

According to this heritage committee doc from a few years ago, the plan was then also to restore the mansard roof. http://www.halifax.ca/council/agendasc/documents/100420ca1131.pdf

I imagine that given that, and the overall terrible shape of the facade, the project will include not only restoration, but some reconstruction as well.

I think the latest proposal is a scaled down version with fewer units (only 16). So it might have changed significantly.

[worldlyhaligonian]

Vinyl siding mansard roof?

I hope they restore the facad and use the space in front of the building more effectively:

http://goo.gl/maps/cbs1i

[Keith P.]

But think about the panhandlers and layabouts! What of them?!? ;)

Funny how Google felt they needed to blur out one of the pictures filling in the broken windows... :haha:

[Drybrain]

Faux-heritage. Just wonderful. :slob:

Not if the materials used are actually high quality and equivalent to the original, which I anticipate for a project like this they would be. This kind of thing has been done all over the world to repair damaged buildings. On a small scale, we have Forbes Restoration, re-Victorianizing houses in the north end (Check out their before-and-after photos (http://halforbes.com/consulting.html).)

You could argue that what they're doing is faux, but presumably they're basing these restorations on what the buildings were likely to look like when originally constructed, before bad renos removed detailing, etc. And even if it's just fanciful, I'd rather the north end look like that than see the structures left looking like vinyl-clad shacks.

I've posted this before (http://www.blogto.com/city/2012/01/a_lesson_in_heritage_restoration_at_queen_bathurst/), as well, but it's a pretty stunning project that proves few buildings are too far gone to save if one has the inclination. Involved lots of reconstruction of ruined brickwork and trim. And the developers weren't even required to do it--it wasn't a heritage structure and there was no mobilization to save the building. They just WANTED to do it.

[cormiermax]

A restoration can be done quite successfully if proper materials are used, and an attention to detail is present. I would be surprised if these components where missing with this project.

[Keith P.]

The reality is that the fire 20 years ago did us a huge favor by giving us the opportunity to finally rid ourselves of this eyesore. And as usual, Halifax turns its back on opportunity and remains stuck in the mud.

[Drybrain]

The reality is that the fire 20 years ago did us a huge favor by giving us the opportunity to finally rid ourselves of this eyesore. And as usual, Halifax turns its back on opportunity and remains stuck in the mud.

I'm really curious where your antipathy to old buildings (and, apparently, the Victorian/Gothic look especially) comes from. Obviously a huge majority of Haligonians would disagree that a destructive fire in a historic quarter of the city is a "favour." Seriously-why the dislike?

[OldDartmouthMark]

Not if the materials used are actually high quality and equivalent to the original, which I anticipate for a project like this they would be. This kind of thing has been done all over the world to repair damaged buildings. On a small scale, we have Forbes Restoration, re-Victorianizing houses in the north end (Check out their before-and-after photos (http://halforbes.com/consulting.html).)

You could argue that what they're doing is faux, but presumably they're basing these restorations on what the buildings were likely to look like when originally constructed, before bad renos removed detailing, etc. And even if it's just fanciful, I'd rather the north end look like that than see the structures left looking like vinyl-clad shacks.

I've posted this before (http://www.blogto.com/city/2012/01/a_lesson_in_heritage_restoration_at_queen_bathurst/), as well, but it's a pretty stunning project that proves few buildings are too far gone to save if one has the inclination. Involved lots of reconstruction of ruined brickwork and trim. And the developers weren't even required to do it--it wasn't a heritage structure and there was no mobilization to save the building. They just WANTED to do it.

Very cool... thanks for posting those links!

Personally, I'd like to see the term "faux heritage" stricken from the language as it tends to suggest that all architectural styles from the past are no longer valid. As long as it's done right, it's just another architectural style... nothing "faux" about it.

There, now that I'm done with my rant :rolleyes: I'm all for restoring these facades and building new structures behind them. It all makes for a visually interesting Barrington Street and will contribute greatly to making that area of town viable and vibrant rather than rundown and vacant. IMHO, the only sin here, as mentioned, is that it took them 20 years to do something about it.

Just for interest, here's a pic I found on the NS archives site (http://gov.ns.ca/nsarm/virtual/EastCoastPort/archives.asp?ID=4462) that shows how these buildings looked in 1945 (right after the VE day riots):

http://i45.tinypic.com/2a9v41t.jpg

Looking forward to seeing how this project pans out. :tup:

[Hali87]

Personally, I'd like to see the term "faux heritage" stricken from the language as it tends to suggest that all architectural styles from the past are no longer valid. As long as it's done right, it's just another architectural style... nothing "faux" about it.


I would say that "as long as it's done right" then it's not truly "faux heritage". But what if it's done wrong/half-assed, as is often the case? THAT is what I would call faux-heritage. I'll see if I can find any good examples...

edit:
Example 1 (https://maps.google.com/?ll=44.641666,-63.577044&spn=0.007649,0.017252&t=m&z=16&layer=c&cbll=44.641551,-63.577242&panoid=XjQzOmZHx8YoL5VRdpEv-Q&cbp=12,309.95,,0,-9.15)

Example 2 (https://maps.google.com/?ll=44.641636,-63.577173&spn=0.007649,0.017252&t=m&z=16&layer=c&cbll=44.641673,-63.577048&panoid=SSlwtdJb3OXhz7xbzNT9sw&cbp=12,149.1,,0,-10.39)

Example 3 (https://maps.google.com/?ll=44.662426,-63.598523&spn=0.007707,0.017252&t=m&z=16&layer=c&cbll=44.662234,-63.598256&panoid=rnHVyOJTcLciTe7KYvcPfg&cbp=12,199.54,,0,-3.13)

Example 4 (https://maps.google.com/?ll=44.639849,-63.579619&spn=0.00771,0.017252&t=m&z=16&layer=c&cbll=44.639775,-63.579716&panoid=5h2dUnjOYDogMEahPdo3Ng&cbp=12,311.07,,0,-13.66)

Here are some examples of "heritage based" buildings/streetscapes that look pretty good:

Example 5 (https://maps.google.com/?ll=44.652001,-63.590519&spn=0.007709,0.017252&t=m&z=16&layer=c&cbll=44.651421,-63.590927&panoid=W8BkC1yd4fATLIHovRMQCw&cbp=12,108.91,,0,1.79)
Example 6 (https://maps.google.com/?ll=44.654153,-63.599181&spn=0.007708,0.017252&t=m&z=16&layer=c&cbll=44.654153,-63.599181&panoid=lGOZ62MMz6rO2qIaiWdINg&cbp=12,11.64,,0,1.01) (debatable)

Then there are projects like Bishop's Landing and the Vic which combine traditional elements with modern ones, generally resulting in good design. Founder's Corner in Dartmouth would be another "debatable".

[cormiermax]

A good example would be a lot of strip malls built today trying to mimic classical details. Thats faux heritage.

[Keith P.]

I would say that "as long as it's done right" then it's not truly "faux heritage". But what if it's done wrong/half-assed, as is often the case? THAT is what I would call faux-heritage. I'll see if I can find any good examples...

edit:
Example 1 (https://maps.google.com/?ll=44.641666,-63.577044&spn=0.007649,0.017252&t=m&z=16&layer=c&cbll=44.641551,-63.577242&panoid=XjQzOmZHx8YoL5VRdpEv-Q&cbp=12,309.95,,0,-9.15)

Example 2 (https://maps.google.com/?ll=44.641636,-63.577173&spn=0.007649,0.017252&t=m&z=16&layer=c&cbll=44.641673,-63.577048&panoid=SSlwtdJb3OXhz7xbzNT9sw&cbp=12,149.1,,0,-10.39)

Example 3 (https://maps.google.com/?ll=44.662426,-63.598523&spn=0.007707,0.017252&t=m&z=16&layer=c&cbll=44.662234,-63.598256&panoid=rnHVyOJTcLciTe7KYvcPfg&cbp=12,199.54,,0,-3.13)

Example 4 (https://maps.google.com/?ll=44.639849,-63.579619&spn=0.00771,0.017252&t=m&z=16&layer=c&cbll=44.639775,-63.579716&panoid=5h2dUnjOYDogMEahPdo3Ng&cbp=12,311.07,,0,-13.66)


Those are all truly hideous. Even sadder is that the first two are across the street from each other.


Here are some examples of "heritage based" buildings/streetscapes that look pretty good:

Example 5 (https://maps.google.com/?ll=44.652001,-63.590519&spn=0.007709,0.017252&t=m&z=16&layer=c&cbll=44.651421,-63.590927&panoid=W8BkC1yd4fATLIHovRMQCw&cbp=12,108.91,,0,1.79)
Example 6 (https://maps.google.com/?ll=44.654153,-63.599181&spn=0.007708,0.017252&t=m&z=16&layer=c&cbll=44.654153,-63.599181&panoid=lGOZ62MMz6rO2qIaiWdINg&cbp=12,11.64,,0,1.01) (debatable)

Then there are projects like Bishop's Landing and the Vic which combine traditional elements with modern ones, generally resulting in good design. Founder's Corner in Dartmouth would be another "debatable".

I would disagree that any of these examples are any better than the awful ones you cited earlier. The townhouses just look like cheap boxes, the Gladstone homes look terrible close-up, and Bishop's Landing has always looked like it was built using leftover materials bought in job lots from Happy Harry's.

[Keith P.]

I'm really curious where your antipathy to old buildings (and, apparently, the Victorian/Gothic look especially) comes from. Obviously a huge majority of Haligonians would disagree that a destructive fire in a historic quarter of the city is a "favour." Seriously-why the dislike?

You are confusing the fire itself with the result. The fire was not in itself a good thing - the building at that time was still in use IIRC, so it was not the burden it has become for the last 20 years. But spending tax money to preserve a beat-up damaged and unremarkable facade of a gutted building for 20 years was not demanded by a "huge majority" - it was demanded by a loud, entitled, squeaky-wheel special interest group that is made up of a handful of latte-drinking CBC devotees that are the Heritage Trust, who didn't want their city-subsidized clubhouse in the hideous Khyber Building disfigured by having anything modern on that block. They are the only ones who wanted this thing to remain empty and undeveloped for 20 years.

[Drybrain]

You are confusing the fire itself with the result. The fire was not in itself a good thing - the building at that time was still in use IIRC, so it was not the burden it has become for the last 20 years. But spending tax money to preserve a beat-up damaged and unremarkable facade of a gutted building for 20 years was not demanded by a "huge majority" - it was demanded by a loud, entitled, squeaky-wheel special interest group that is made up of a handful of latte-drinking CBC devotees that are the Heritage Trust, who didn't want their city-subsidized clubhouse in the hideous Khyber Building disfigured by having anything modern on that block. They are the only ones who wanted this thing to remain empty and undeveloped for 20 years.

"Latte drinking CBC devotees" is a fairly broad caricature (it's 2013--I no longer think lattes are the province of the elite). And as far as the Heritage Trust, I agree with you--they're obstructionist. And, it must be said, pretty useless at heritage preservation, obsessed as they are with viewplanes.

Anyway, there's no sense arguing about aesthetics. What you call unremarkable, I call beautiful. As do most of us. I think if you trotted the average Haligonian, or anyone, by the Khyber and asked them to pass aesthetic judgement, they'd have nice things to say. And unfortunately, due to substantial losses during the 60s urban-renewal years, Barrington is our longest (mostly intact) commercial heritage strip. It's a boon to the city, and as I said, simply measuring that value in dollars isn't sufficient.

[Drybrain]

I would say that "as long as it's done right" then it's not truly "faux heritage". But what if it's done wrong/half-assed, as is often the case? THAT is what I would call faux-heritage. I'll see if I can find any good examples...

edit:
Example 1 (https://maps.google.com/?ll=44.641666,-63.577044&spn=0.007649,0.017252&t=m&z=16&layer=c&cbll=44.641551,-63.577242&panoid=XjQzOmZHx8YoL5VRdpEv-Q&cbp=12,309.95,,0,-9.15)

Example 2 (https://maps.google.com/?ll=44.641636,-63.577173&spn=0.007649,0.017252&t=m&z=16&layer=c&cbll=44.641673,-63.577048&panoid=SSlwtdJb3OXhz7xbzNT9sw&cbp=12,149.1,,0,-10.39)

Example 3 (https://maps.google.com/?ll=44.662426,-63.598523&spn=0.007707,0.017252&t=m&z=16&layer=c&cbll=44.662234,-63.598256&panoid=rnHVyOJTcLciTe7KYvcPfg&cbp=12,199.54,,0,-3.13)

Example 4 (https://maps.google.com/?ll=44.639849,-63.579619&spn=0.00771,0.017252&t=m&z=16&layer=c&cbll=44.639775,-63.579716&panoid=5h2dUnjOYDogMEahPdo3Ng&cbp=12,311.07,,0,-13.66)

Here are some examples of "heritage based" buildings/streetscapes that look pretty good:

Example 5 (https://maps.google.com/?ll=44.652001,-63.590519&spn=0.007709,0.017252&t=m&z=16&layer=c&cbll=44.651421,-63.590927&panoid=W8BkC1yd4fATLIHovRMQCw&cbp=12,108.91,,0,1.79)
Example 6 (https://maps.google.com/?ll=44.654153,-63.599181&spn=0.007708,0.017252&t=m&z=16&layer=c&cbll=44.654153,-63.599181&panoid=lGOZ62MMz6rO2qIaiWdINg&cbp=12,11.64,,0,1.01) (debatable)

Then there are projects like Bishop's Landing and the Vic which combine traditional elements with modern ones, generally resulting in good design. Founder's Corner in Dartmouth would be another "debatable".

I like Founder's Corner, though it's definitely imperfect. But yeah, the first four on that list are all awful, no disagreement. New design should look new, absolutely--I'm only advocating for repairing damaged or destroyed buildings of a different era, rather than constructing entirely new structures with an old-timey look out of nostalgia or lack of imagination.

Take the old Victorian rowhouses that burned down at Hollis and South--they were such a landmark to that area, bordering Cornwallis Park, that I'd be thrilled to see them reconstructed so as to be indistinguishable from before. There are precedents for that kind of thing: I remember being shocked to discover a 19th-century fire hall around the corner from an old apartment of mine in Toronto had burned down in the 70s and been entirely rebuilt with savaged original materials, and some newly quarried brick.

BUT, barring something really ambitious like that, it should be a genuinely contemporary design. Nothing could be worse than some pointy-roofed monstrosity like that big grey thing on Dresden Row linked to above.

[Hali87]

Even if they'd done something as simple as, I dunno, not making every "unit" in that building cement-grey, I think it could have looked better than it does.

[someone123]

The Gottingen and Kaye example is a pretty good demonstration of how heritage mimicry can fail, and how little it actually matters. That building has numerous problems: bad proportions, no storefronts in a commercial area, and uninviting plinth architecture. At the other end of the block is Garden Stone Place:

http://www.starbuckseverywhere.net/bigimages/21/DSCN21843.jpg
Source (http://www.starbuckseverywhere.net/bigimages/21/DSCN21843.htm)

This building is not perfect either but it complements the commercial nature of the area and it fits in better with its neighbours despite the fact that it is built in a more modern style.

Ultimately I think heritage vs. modern architectural styling is largely irrelevant in terms of determining whether or not buildings look good, whether they will benefit the area they are built in, or even whether or not they will complement or clash with other buildings. Instead the real question is whether or not a building is well-designed, whatever the style.

[eastcoastal]

"Latte drinking CBC devotees" is a fairly broad caricature (it's 2013--I no longer think lattes are the province of the elite). ...

Doesn't Tim Horton's serve "lattes" now?

[OldDartmouthMark]

Ultimately I think heritage vs. modern architectural styling is largely irrelevant in terms of determining whether or not buildings look good, whether they will benefit the area they are built in, or even whether or not they will complement or clash with other buildings. Instead the real question is whether or not a building is well-designed, whatever the style.

Thank you! That is entirely the point I was trying to make.

:cheers:

[someone123]

I don't think this article ever made it into the thread: http://thechronicleherald.ca/business/367352-owner-anxious-to-start-redevelopment

It is very encouraging. I tend to be sceptical of "only months away" type announcements, but this would be a big deal even though it's a small project. When you add up all the stuff happening along the street it is a pretty dramatic overhaul. If the city also follows through with some improvements to the street it will be like night and day.

To add to the discussion above, the Grainery Lofts and Waterford buildings are two examples of heritage-style buildings that look pretty good. In both cases they are relatively simple.

Another funny thing I've never really thought of is how the newer buildings on Cunard Street and South Street are almost exactly the same. The one by Fenwick looks like Armoury Square and the one by Wellington Street looks like the one by Robie. They are not my favourite buildings but you could do worse for "background" residential buildings.

[Nifta]

If this gets going too, Barrington will be well on its way to a full recovery.

[Drybrain]

The fact that the owner and architect were both involved in the Freemasons's Hall restoration is a very encouraging sign. This is also supposed to involve a recreation of the mansard roof, which was lost in the fire.

[fenwick16]

This will be a big plus for Barrington Street. I think that the old NFB building has an impressive facade.

[someone123]

The fact that the owner and architect were both involved in the Freemasons's Hall restoration is a very encouraging sign. This is also supposed to involve a recreation of the mansard roof, which was lost in the fire.

Yes, I think this is why they mention 4 floors.

Keith Hall also originally had a mansard roof and it is in the process of being restored. Many buildings in Halifax have been stripped of their ornamentation over the years. One big example I can think of is the former post office, now AGNS, which used to have a cupola. The courthouse on Spring Garden had a cupola too.

[someone123]

An open house is going to be held on May 8 for this development (exact details might be on the HRM website somewhere).

The plan is to begin construction this summer.

[fenwick16]

An open house is going to be held on May 8 for this development (exact details might be on the HRM website somewhere).

The plan is to begin construction this summer.

This is great news. Here is an excerpt from an April 29th, 2013 Chronicle Herald story - http://thechronicleherald.ca/business/1126044-nfb-site-could-finally-see-action


NFB site could finally see action
April 29, 2013 - 6:24pm COLLEEN COSGROVE BUSINESS REPORTER

Five-storey, $4-million development proposed

http://thechronicleherald.ca/sites/default/files/imagecache/ch_article_main_image/articles/B97176789Z.120130429182052000GST2SARI.11.jpg
A rendering of the proposed transformation of the NFB building on Barrington Street in Halifax.

The third time could be the charm for the long-awaited redevelopment of the National Film Board building in downtown Halifax.

On the heels of two redevelopment plans dashed by previous owners, architect David Garrett and new owner Steve Caryi of Ruby LLP are closer to moving forward on a $4-million plan to transform the heritage site into a five-storey, mixed-use property.

The public will have a chance to review the comprehensive redevelopment plan at an open house on May 8 at 5 p.m. at the Keystone Business Centre in Freemasons’ Hall at 1533 Barrington St.

Garrett, owner of David F. Garrett Architects of Halifax has worked extensively on Barrington Street. His work includes the redevelopment of Freemasons’ Hall, the redevelopment of the Sam the Record Man building at 1656 Barrington St., and 1715 Barrington St., historically known as the G.M. Smith Building. Garrett also designed Starfish Properties’ Barrington Espace redevelopment.
.
.
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[someone123]

One sad point made in that article is that they say they can't rebuild the original tower on this building because it would violate viewplane rules. This is an example where the viewplanes are arguably making new buildings worse.

I completely agree with the "albatross" comment. This building has become a kind of poster child for problems on the street. Once it's redeveloped the whole area will look better.

I'm hoping the Green Lantern/Keith Hall will be restored soon too but I haven't heard any news about it in a long time. The central stretch of Barrington only needs a half dozen or so small to medium sized projects to give it a great "main street" feel. This sort of potential is one of the things I like about Halifax, but it can also be frustrating to see how long these simple improvements take. It does seem like the downtown area is gaining steam though.

[Keith P.]

It's not too late for someone to hijack a Cat D-8 and knock this thing down in the middle of the night.

What a disaster - facade-ism at its worst.

[Drybrain]

Does anyone have a pic of what the spire used to look like? I can't really find any old shots of the building, pre-fire.

EDIT: Nevermind. Found one (http://www.historicplaces.ca/hpimages/Thumbnails/17528_Large.jpg). More substantial than I thought. The city should provide an exemption for this given the circumstances (reconstruction of a previously existing structure).

[halifaxboyns]

Good to see something finally going forward with this site. It's a shame the viewplane rules don't have some sort of 'out clause' for ancillary structures to allow the spire to be rebuilt though. We added a similar clause in our building height regulations a couple years ago, mainly due to churches and the crosses they tended to put on top of the roof structure. They always ended up requiring variances to height!

[beyeas]

Does anyone have a pic of what the spire used to look like? I can't really find any old shots of the building, pre-fire.

EDIT: Nevermind. Found one (http://www.historicplaces.ca/hpimages/Thumbnails/17528_Large.jpg). More substantial than I thought. The city should provide an exemption for this given the circumstances (reconstruction of a previously existing structure).

More than giving an exemption I think the developers should be shoving this in Pacey's nose and using it to make the point of the stupidity of current 100% rigid apparently never to be violated viewplane rules. I for one would LOVE to hear Pacey defend not being able to restore a historical feature because of his precious viewplane.

[worldlyhaligonian]

More than giving an exemption I think the developers should be shoving this in Pacey's nose and using it to make the point of the stupidity of current 100% rigid apparently never to be violated viewplane rules. I for one would LOVE to hear Pacey defend not being able to restore a historical feature because of his precious viewplane.

Well clearly it will create traffic issues, shadow impacts, and also the impact on children. Quite frankly, its too tall. We should not allow any development in the downtown above 2 stories. This is reflective of historic building heights.

[Keith P.]

Well clearly it will create traffic issues, shadow impacts, and also the impact on children. Quite frankly, its too tall. We should not allow any development in the downtown above 2 stories. This is reflective of historic building heights.

Quite so. Quoting the always wise Coun. Watts, such inordinately tall buildings "are not of human scale". :rolleyes:

[OldDartmouthMark]

Wow... you guys aren't bitter or anything! :haha:

Seriously, if ever there was an opportunity to challenge the heritage vs viewplane regulation, this would be the one to do it with. :2cents:

[someone123]

Seriously, if ever there was an opportunity to challenge the heritage vs viewplane regulation, this would be the one to do it with. :2cents:

Actually I think it would be better for the street for the developer to quietly build the thing without the upper portion now instead of waiting a couple of years for an uncertain outcome that could derail the whole project.

The current facade reminds me of post-bombing pictures of Europe. It contributes greatly to the negative reputation of the street, and it's the kind of thing that gives visitors an instant impression of the sort of neighbourhood they're in.

[Empire]

The development should not be allowed to proceed unless the spire is reconstructed. A 50% tax break for 5 years shall be awarded for this reconstruction effort.

[OldDartmouthMark]

Actually I think it would be better for the street for the developer to quietly build the thing without the upper portion now instead of waiting a couple of years for an uncertain outcome that could derail the whole project.

The current facade reminds me of post-bombing pictures of Europe. It contributes greatly to the negative reputation of the street, and it's the kind of thing that gives visitors an instant impression of the sort of neighbourhood they're in.

You are correct, it would be counterproductive to hold up construction based on this, but it would still be a prime argument (even if made post-construction) for changes from the current situation. :2cents:

[Drybrain]

I would LOVE to see the spire done too (it would certainly grand things up quite a bit) but I kind of agree with Someone...it's not a dealbreaker. It's been like, 20 years? If the plan is to start work this summer, I don't wanna see it held up, especially since the architect retained on it has such a good track record with restorations. Better have the bulk of the facade restored properly than have it lie fallow again, deteriorate for a few more years, and then maybe have some inferior architect go to work on it. (Maybe the spire can be constructed down the road; who knows.)

[Empire]

The spire height and massing should be able to be grandfathered given the historical signifance. This is a case where a proper heritage fund could assist with legalities and construction costs in an effort to add the spire without delaying the project.

[eastcoastal]

Have they substituted a diving board for the historically-accurate-but-somehow-inappropriate-for-a-heritage-context-that-generates-height-restrictions "spire"?

[spaustin]

The problem with rebuilding the spire is who pays to do it? The space would be too small to be useful for anything so for the developer it would just be cash out with no return and increased ongoing maintenance. If you made it bigger, by say extending it back, to make useful space, then the point of restoring the grand look is lost. Maybe HRM could invest to do it, but that money comes from somewhere and, from a hertiage perspective, could probably be better used elsewhere. The building isn't on a prominent corner with dramatic lines of sight. Bringing the spire back is a nice idea, but it doesn't seem very practical. I think the current plan is a good compromise with what was and with current realities.