A recommendation from a municipal committee suggests that the former Halifax Alehouse building should be included in the heritage property registry. The Alehouse establishment has been vacant for close to two years following its closure in 2024 due to a tragic incident where a patron was killed by a bouncer on Christmas Eve 2022. Subsequently, the property was sold. The new owner, Ramia Group, initially sought a demolition permit in 2025, prompting the Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia to launch a petition to preserve the building.
Recently, there has been a shift in direction by Ramia Group, who applied for heritage status for the building earlier this year. The owner has not responded to CBC News’ request for comment. The heritage advisory committee of Halifax Regional Municipality met on Wednesday and voted in favor of the building meeting the necessary criteria.
Coun. David Hendsbee, a committee member, expressed support for preserving the building with heritage status. Constructed between 1893 and 1895 by local architect Henry F. Busch, the building at 1717 Brunswick St. has a rich history, having housed various establishments over the past 130 years, including bars, a printing company, an abstinence club, and the Salvation Army.
The committee’s recommendation will be forwarded to the regional council for further consideration. The evaluation of the building at 1717 Brunswick St. considered factors such as its age, historical significance, architectural value, and relationship to the surrounding area. According to city staff, the building is a significant landmark that contributes to the heritage character of the neighborhood through its architectural design, age, and overall presence.
The building, a two-storey brick and beam structure with a heavy timber frame and load-bearing brick walls, has maintained its architectural integrity over the years. It was noted for its Italianate-style attributes, including brick string courses and distinctive round-headed windows. Tyler Brothers, chair of the heritage advisory committee, described it as a rare example.
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