Revitalizing and conserving our heritage

Located in Downtown Halifax between the Grand Parade and Province House, this project illustrates the value of mixed-use urban developments that integrate heritage, retail streets, and residential units. Following a successful Design Competition submission from Fathom Studio in December 2019, the project was awarded to Dexel Developments by the Province of Nova Scotia, and Fathom Studio was hired as the Architect of Record.

This project contributes to a revitalized downtown that addresses the past, present, and future of the site by conserving two prominent heritage buildings: the Kenny-Dennis Building (1863) and the Acadian Recorder (1900). The contemporary design revitalizes a prominent site, mitigates challenging site conditions, and reinstates the corner of Barrington and George as a significant commercial landmark.

Our approach to creating quality human-scale streets is reflected by maintaining the rhythm of the existing commercial buildings on Barrington street. The project is a holistic addition to the city that uses a simple, clear design language that provides a restrained backdrop for prominent heritage elements. The comprehensive development takes a minimalist approach in building massing and materiality, and reinterprets the site without interfering with its long standing character.

Status

Under Construction

Our Role

Architecture, Planning, Interpretive Planning

Client

Dexel Developments

Location

Halifax, Nova Scotia