Fredericton landlord buys former jail, lists it for rent at $8,500 a month

A historic downtown building in Fredericton, once the site of public executions, has recently been sold to a private real estate company, sparking concerns from heritage preservation advocates. The former York County jail, purchased by a numbered company registered to Wei Liu, has a rich history dating back to its construction in 1842. The building served as a jail until 1996 and was designated a provincial heritage building in 2003.

Ian Robertson, a director with Fredericton Heritage Trust, expressed hope that the new owner would consider the building’s future use carefully. He emphasized the importance of preserving the building, likening it to the former inmates who faced life or death sentences. Robertson highlighted the significance of the building’s Georgian functional architecture and its construction using grey granite from the Spoon Island quarry near Hampstead.

Despite being listed for $1.2 million, Liu’s company acquired the building for $800,000 in March. The property, with a 10,000 square-foot floor plan, is now listed for rent at $8,500 per month. Permitted uses include a daycare, retail, office, or restaurant. Photos of the interior show little to no changes since Science East, the previous occupant, moved out.

While the building’s heritage designation offers some protection, Robertson mentioned the possibility of the new owner requesting its repeal. This would require approval from the minister of tourism, heritage, and culture, as any alterations affecting the building’s character-defining features would need a permit. As of now, there have been no requests to repeal the designation, with only one permit issued for the installation of replica prison bars on the front windows.

The former York County jail holds a significant place in Fredericton’s history, and the efforts of heritage preservation advocates aim to ensure its continued existence for future generations. The building’s unique architecture, ties to past events, and potential for adaptive reuse make it a valuable asset worth protecting. As discussions surrounding its future unfold, the hope is that the building will be preserved and maintained in a way that honors its storied past while embracing new opportunities for the community.