Heritage group calls for historic Halifax building to be saved from wrecking ball

A petition is seeking to save an historic Halifax building from the wrecking ball.

The Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia is calling for the preservation of a 132-year-old Halifax building that could face the wrecking ball.

In a news release, the Heritage Trust says the Ramia Group of Companies purchased the 1717 Brunswick St. property, which used to house the Halifax Alehouse, last December.

According to open data from the Halifax Regional Municipality, a demolition permit application for that property was submitted last month.

“The residents of Halifax, and the millions of tourists who visit our historic city every year, value heritage buildings like 1717 Brunswick Street, and their presence provides economic and environmental benefits to the entire province,” the news release reads. “Truly progressive and successful cities are able to change and grow in ways that do not destroy the very qualities that make them special. We demand better for Halifax and from its leadership, property owners and developers.”

According to the Heritage Trust, architect Henry Busch designed the brick building, which went up in 1893. It served as Halifax’s first permanent Salvation Army Citadel temple and it is one of the only remaining structures of the former “Upper Streets” neighbourhood.

“This colourful neighbourhood had a reputation of being rough and tumble due to the presence of a number of bars and brothels that attracted soldiers who were stationed nearby, as well as other patrons from across the city,” the release states. “At the same time, the Upper Streets was a welcoming and integrated neighbourhood, filled with working-class residents and newcomers from rural areas and other parts of the world.

“Demolishing this building would obliterate yet another piece of Halifax’s rich history at a time when we have already lost so much of our built heritage.”

The release noted Halifax staff recommended heritage registration for 1717 Brunswick St. in 2020, but nothing came of it. The property is not listed as a registered heritage site on the municipality’s website.

Heritage Trust has launched an online petition to stop the demolition of the property.

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