[Halifax] First United Church (1290 Oxford) | ? M | 14 FL | Proposed

[Dmajackson]

We haven't had a new thread in awhile. The recently registered, municipal heritage building First United Church at 1300 Oxford Street is proposing to demolish it's unregistered patronage house at #1290 and build an unconnected 14-floor, 96-unit residential building.

Halifax Planning - Case 2025-01681 - 1290-1300 Oxford Street, Halifax

I like this plan. It adds a lot while not going overboard.

[someone123]

Wow, what a nice proposal for that spot. Built on an underused site with minimal heritage aspects, adds decent density, fits in with neighbours but does not attempt to mimic them (probably utterly hopeless to try to make a cost-effective modern neogothic condo tower). Perhaps people will come to appreciate more and more that this might not be worse than a square 6 storey box with siding.

This area is out of the way but I always liked the architecture of this church and Shirreff Hall way back when while I was a student at Dal. It's too bad the church is almost a bit secluded despite being constructed in a nice masonry style. It's similar with All Saints. Halifax does not really do grandiose monumental buildings; often it's the opposite with landmarks being somehow tucked away behind other buildings.

[Dartguard]

There are going to be some amazing views of the Arm and the Atlantic from the top floors.

[Keith P.]

I imagine they will not be cheap but could well be popular for those older empty-nesters wishing to cash out of their deep south end properties and simplify their lives. It is interesting to see the difference between what is proposed here versus the low-rise '70s condos on the other side of the church which always struck me as disappointing and a poor use of that lot.

[Keith P.]

Another story from the development beat in the Herald from Jen Taplin today on a proposal for 1300 Oxford St:

https://www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/sou...e-with-14-storey-residential-development

They’re only allowed up to eight storeys in this neighbourhood but, with a heritage registration, they can go higher.

The First Baptist Church on Oxford Street in the south end of Halifax is moving ahead with a 14-storey residential building — with plans to demolish a parsonage and parking lot to make room.

The 1915-era parsonage is actually older than the church. Opened in 1950, it was granted municipal heritage status last year mostly due to the congregation’s history in the city dating back to 1827 and the beautiful architecture of the neo-gothic church.

When I attended Dal in the late '70s I often passed this location on my way to classes. Obviously the surrounding area is very nice. I remember the rather unimpressive and unattractive '70s-era condos on the adjacent property on the north side of the church going in back then.

[someone123]

I'd sometimes be in this area too and always thought this church was an architectural gem for the neighbourhood. Maintaining it is a greater positive than any drawback from adding some more floors onto a residential building which is appropriate density for this inner city area anyway. The decision to cap Dalhousie at 6 floors or so limited what was possible and has probably contributed to demolitions and the conversion of green space into parking lots.

One thing that's a bit unfortunate in Halifax is how much nice architecture is so hidden. This is a decent sized stone church complex that backs onto the rail cut. You can see the downward slope and 3 storey rear of the structure in the rendering. Some of the city's grandest old houses are hidden nearby.

[Dmajackson]

I've moved a couple of posts here from the general thread.

[ArchAficionado]

South End NIMBYs gonna be real mad about this one.

I wouldn't go any higher here, but I think this will be a nice addition to the area. Already some higher density housing on the block that's been there for a long time, and the rail cut buffers this tower from the expensive homes nearby. Build it!