Heritage Trust aims to spare Halifax Alehouse building from demolition
The Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia is on a mission to save the historic Halifax Alehouse building from facing the wrecking ball. Located at 1717 Brunswick St., the building was recently acquired by the Ramia Group in December, nearly two years after a tragic incident resulted in the death of a patron outside the bar. Currently, a demolition permit for the property is pending review by the city.
Emma Lang, the executive director of the heritage group, emphasized the importance of preserving this iconic structure in a recent interview with CBC News. Lang highlighted the numerous benefits that the community would reap from retaining the building, including its economic value as a tourist attraction and a contributor to the visual richness of downtown Halifax.
In response to the impending demolition, the Heritage Trust has launched a petition urging Halifax Regional Municipality and the province to halt the destruction of the building. The petition also calls for greater protections for heritage structures within the city and the implementation of incentives to safeguard the historic fabric of Halifax.
Furthermore, the petition calls on the Ramia Group to reconsider their decision and explore alternative options for the building’s future. The Heritage Trust intends to engage directly with the company to address their concerns, although no response has been received from the Ramia Group thus far.
In February 2020, Halifax staff recommended that 1717 Brunswick St. be designated as a municipal heritage property due to its architectural significance and historical relevance. Designed by renowned architect Henry F. Busch, the building served as a Salvation Army Citadel and temple upon its completion in 1895. In the aftermath of the Halifax Explosion, the structure played a vital role in providing shelter and aid to those affected by the disaster.
Over the years, the building has undergone various transformations, transitioning from a Salvation Army facility to a printing company and eventually to the popular Halifax Alehouse. Despite its age, Lang noted that the building remains in relatively good condition and likely passed recent building inspections before the bar closed its doors in November 2024.
The petition, which garnered 763 signatures within its first day of launch, underscores the community’s strong support for preserving this historic landmark. As efforts to save the Halifax Alehouse building continue, the Heritage Trust remains committed to advocating for the protection of Halifax’s architectural heritage and cultural legacy.
