[Dartmouth] The Post (53 Queen) | 90 m | 30 fl | U/C

[Keith P.]

Originally Posted by JET

From the renderings it looked like they were keeping the newer existing addition to the west of the old post office, but it is gone, all that remains is the exterior of the old post office. They have done a nice job cleaning the exterior

No, they made it quite clear that the newer 1950s(?) addition was coming down since it had no historic value or architectural merit. It was never part of what they proposed.

[OldDartmouthMark]

Originally Posted by JET

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scot...n-post-office-heritage-project-1.7195707

Some drawings of how they will look.

I think there’s some confusion with the rendering in the article above. The section next to the original building looks like the old addition, but after another look it appears to be a recreated facade that somewhat imitates it.

[JET]

Originally Posted by OldDartmouthMark

I think there’s some confusion with the rendering in the article above. The section next to the original building looks like the old addition, but after another look it appears to be a recreated facade that somewhat imitates it.

Yes, that appears to be the case.

[OldDartmouthMark]

Originally Posted by JET

Yes, that appears to be the case.

FWIW, I had thought they were using at least the facade of the old addition until I looked at it again this time around.

[spaustin]

They've actually saved and catalogued all the stones from the annex and the new townhouse section that is replacing it will reuse them. Kind of Granville Mall with a new building behind but old facade put back. The main Post Office building is of course being kept. I think this is going to be a project that wins awards.

[JET]

New windows are in the old post office.

[Empire]

Originally Posted by spaustin

They've actually saved and catalogued all the stones from the annex and the new townhouse section that is replacing it will reuse them. Kind of Granville Mall with a new building behind but old facade put back. The main Post Office building is of course being kept. I think this is going to be a project that wins awards.

Great to see, and speaking of awards it would be nice to see HRM implement a Design Award system. Queen’s Marque, Press Block, Elmwood, Granville Mall and the Post (53 Queen) are all excellent examples of developments that would qualify. Maybe a start up tax break for one or two years would encourage developers to preserve our built heritage, bring back some lost architecture and build quality new developments.

The Cogswell District holds an immense opportunity to bring back some lost architecture such as the flatiron building (The Pentagon). I think all of the building designs in this district should have strong encouragement / legislation to either incorporate historic elements or demonstrate exceptional design initiatives. A mix of historic design and modern towers that combine art deco with modern elements would bring the recognition to this area that it deserves after being demolished 50+ years ago.

Edit: I would also include 'The Press Block' for special recognition. Also, perhaps there could be a design competition for a couple of premiere lots at Cogswell for the right to develop.

[OldDartmouthMark]

Originally Posted by Empire

Great to see, and speaking of awards it would be nice to see HRM implement a Design Award system. Queen’s Marque, Press Block, Elmwood, Granville Mall and the Post (53 Queen) are all excellent examples of developments that would qualify. Maybe a start up tax break for one or two years would encourage developers to preserve our built heritage, bring back some lost architecture and build quality new developments.

The Cogswell District holds an immense opportunity to bring back some lost architecture such as the flatiron building (The Pentagon). I think all of the building designs in this district should have strong encouragement / legislation to either incorporate historic elements or demonstrate exceptional design initiatives. A mix of historic design and modern towers that combine art deco with modern elements would bring the recognition to this area that it deserves after being demolished 50+ years ago.

I like that idea.

[OldDartmouthMark]

Originally Posted by spaustin

They've actually saved and catalogued all the stones from the annex and the new townhouse section that is replacing it will reuse them. Kind of Granville Mall with a new building behind but old facade put back. The main Post Office building is of course being kept. I think this is going to be a project that wins awards.

Thanks for the info, Sam. That explains what we were seeing in the rendering.

Any idea what kind of commercial will be the target for the old Post Office building? Will it be retail? Office space? A combination?

I agree that this should win awards, this is one of my favourite developments in HRM at the moment... perhaps my #1, actually.

[IanWatson]

HRM does have an Urban Design Award: https://www.halifax.ca/about-halifax/reg...n-design-awards/urban-design-awards-2023

Queens Marque won last year in the landscape architecture category, and The George won for architect.

There’s no monetary/tax incentive though.

[Keith P.]

It’s a prestigious award!

[IanWatson]

Originally Posted by Keith P.

It’s a prestigious award!

Thank you for making me laugh out loud in the office.

[Saul Goode]

Am I just passing by at the wrong times, or is this a virtually dormant development?

[Drybrain]

Originally Posted by Saul Goode

Am I just passing by at the wrong times, or is this a virtually dormant development?

I’ve wondered the same thing. This, Spring Garden West and Promenade Robie are all big projects that seem stalled, with this being the furthest along.

[Jonovision]

I had heard this one was being redesigned to add more density. I guess the existing design was not financially viable. So they are looking to reduce ceiling heights and add more floors within the same height. And potentially add a bit more to the bulk of the tower. Not sure where it's at within the process though.

[worldlyhaligonian]

Originally Posted by Jonovision

I had heard this one was being redesigned to add more density. I guess the existing design was not financially viable. So they are looking to reduce ceiling heights and add more floors within the same height. And potentially add a bit more to the bulk of the tower. Not sure where it's at within the process though.

Thanks for the info. I hope they creatively work towards something close to the original design.

[OldDartmouthMark]

I hope this one gets back on track soon. It’s perhaps my most anticipated project going on in all of HRM at the moment.

[Colin May]

[Lenders getting worried.........

[Jonovision]

I noticed an excavator on site this week. I wonder if this is back on track?

[Saul Goode]

Originally Posted by Jonovision

I noticed an excavator on site this week. I wonder if this is back on track?

Either that or it's there to bury the developer's dreams.