Thursday, September 17, 2009
Landmark to be razed
Halifax council Tuesday gave approval for the construction of a 10-storey apartment building on the site of the distinctive Victorian Hotel at Morris and Hollis Streets.
Posted by Tim Bousquet on Thu, Sep 17, 2009 at 4:00 AM
The building dates back to the mid-19th century, but has long been in disrepair. While many councillors mourned the loss of the structure, none argued that it was salvageable.
Two other buildings on the site, which will also be razed, have historic interest---most notably the 1790s-era Charles Morris building, constructed as the home for the man who had earlier laid out the streets for the future city of Halifax.
The developer of the new building, Louis Lawen, says he expects construction cranes on site before the end of the year.
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Comments (16)
Showing 1-16 of 16
More Housing for the Rich at the expence of History..
The owers of these properties should be made to keep them up, They get tax breaks for owning them.
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It's a shame that these buildings have been historically significant yet being left without proper maintenance throughout the years. I would like to share a video tribute to the Morris/Hollis Block:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLuczvRIq8k
Soon to be lost but not forgotten.
With that last place gone young ladies will be able to walk around Hollis St wearing white boots without wondering why cars are rolling by real slow like.
A Halifax icon with so much character, albeit it a dump. I'll be sad to see it go but happy to see something nice and modern finally built there. One of the last relics of the former Hollis Street too, which essentially used to be Halifax's red light district. A city continues to evolve and grow. What more can I say? I'll stop here.
I used to live there. The second floor on the corner with the wrap around balcony. Happier Times.
It's a huge apartment with some beautiful features but the building has been allowed to deteriorate. Something should have been done but I fear it's too late.
Halifax needs to either take better care of it's character buildings or get rid of them. Tourists want to see heritage buildings that are well taken care of. The only places that pull off that "just restored enough to meet code" look are former war-zones.
These are beautiful, character buildings that have been neglected and allowed to become run down eyesores. I worked in this area a few years ago and saw tourists taking photos of these buildings on a regular basis. It is our city's "quaintness" and history that draw in the tourist dollars. Nobody comes here to see the same concrete and glass boxes that make up the skylines of cities across the globe. Halifax needs to show some foresight and work to preserve the unique architecture found in our downtown before we become just another bland concrete jungle.
With a little paint and imagination the property would look a whole lot better.
How come the building was never slapped with a 'paint' order for unsightly premises ?
Too busy chasing poor old ladies in Dartmouth and ladies with a side of a house with barely visible peeling paint.
Bloody busybodies. Considering the committee to hear the appeal failed to have a quorum on the appointed day and at the appointed time it would appear that her appeal is allowed by default. The defendant showed up and the judges didn't and therefore 'Case dismissed'.
That building has looked like it was about to fall down for 50 years. I remember when I was a kid in the 1960s being fearful of it because it reminded me of a place that could go up in flames any minute.
Actually, Chaddernaut, they will be moderately priced apartments...with space for retail shops on the ground floor. This building will be infinitely better than the three dumpy fire hazards that sit there now.
it is a shame it was let go like that, but a few new building might look nice. But we all know that it will be condos which will go for near a mill each. Not the affordable house Halifax needs.
I agree with Joeblow. It really is too bad that this building has to be torn down.
I like this building and every time I pass it I see this as an example where a landlord has deliberately allowed the building to look like ****.
An example of earlier construction and a shame it could not have been retained and admired - beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
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