13-storey mixed-use building proposed for downtown Dartmouth heritage property
A little bit of old mixed with a lot of new.
That’s what an architecture and planning firm has in mind for a heritage property in downtown Dartmouth.
The George and Mary Sheils House at 86 Ochterloney St. has been a registered heritage property since 1982.
The one-and-a-half-storey home, which features a local rubblestone foundation, Scottish dormers and two single-stack brick chimneys, was built in 1863.
“Despite the small scale and lack of ornamental detailing, the George and Mary Shiels residence remains a prominent and historic house on Octhterloney Street,” reads a heritage impact statement prepared by McLean Heritage Planning and Consulting.
That’s why Zzap Consulting Inc., an architecture and planning firm in Dartmouth, hopes to rehabilitate and preserve the heritage home. They also plan to do the same to the Alexander and Maude MacKay Residence at 61 Queen St. in Dartmouth.
But in between the two heritage properties, Zzap has proposed to build a 13-storey mixed-use building as part of a heritage development agreement.
The building would consist of two concealed parking levels, commercial space on the ground level, a rooftop terrace and 103 residential apartment-style units.
While additional housing throughout Halifax Regional Municipality is much needed, many people who commute throughout the week have noticed an increase in traffic slowdowns as a result of the population increase in the city.
However, a traffic impact study done by Griffin Transportation Group Inc. looked at the expected distribution of new vehicle trips if the build was done and found while there would be a slight traffic increase, it “is not expected to create any traffic operational issues or concerns.”
The study also noted the proposed building is situated near the Dartmouth waterfront, where people are able to take the ferry to Halifax.
The development would require a building at 43 and 45 Dundas St. to be demolished to make room for the new build.
It would also require a “substantial alteration application,” required by the Nova Scotia Heritage Property Act, as the proposed development applies to a registered heritage property, as well as another application to alter the George and Mary Sheils House.
City staff are reviewing the development agreement application and will prepare a report with recommendations for the appropriate community council to consider.
“Before community council can make any decision about the proposal, a public open house and a public hearing shall be held,” HRM states on its website.
The public open house is to be scheduled in late 2023 or early 2024.
