Updated plans for the Promenade Robie South development by The Rouvalis family. Shadowed in behind are the two 30-storey towers facing Spring Garden Road by Dexel Developments Ltd. on behalf of Lawen Properties. Photo by HRMArticle contentSignificant updates have refreshed a major development coming to downtown Halifax.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentThe Rouvalis family is planning a highrise development they call The Promenade Robie South, blocked in by Robie, College and Carlton streets. The previous plan was for 28- and 29-storey towers with a collection of restored heritage buildings in front.Article contentArticle contentBut in March 2023, while being moved by crane, one of the heritage buildings — known as the Mary Ann Noble building — fell and was smashed to bits.Article contentArticle content A Carlton Street heritage house that was being moved via crane collapsed. The damage is seen in this file photo from March 7, 2023. Photo by Tim Krochak /The Chronicle HeraldArticle contentThe developer has asked for several changes since then, with the latest appearing before HRM’s heritage committee on Wednesday.Article contentThe updated plan is calling for two 34-storey highrises, a new 10-storey build and several changes to the heritage buildings, including installing a glass corridor to connect them.Article contentPlanner Carter Beaupre-McPhee explained that previous alterations approved by the municipality involved the moving of the heritage buildings to cluster near the corner of Carlton and College streets.Article contentAn older home that didn’t have a heritage distinction (the Mary Belcher residence) was substituted for the Victorian-era house that was destroyed.Article contentThree phasesArticle contentBeaupre-McPhee laid out the latest requests for changes from the developer.Article contentThe first phase of construction would involve building a historic apartment complex by using two of the heritage buildings (Gold Cure Institute and the Crosskill residence) and two unregistered buildings (Mary Belcher and the MacCoy residence). They would be linked with a shared foundation and interconnected on the second and third storeys with glass corridors. It’s an accessible design, Beaupre-McPhee noted, and all the heritage homes would be fully rehabilitated.Article contentArticle contentThe second phase involves the rehabilitation of the Neal, Keith and Tupper residences. They’re planning for new, but not shared, foundations facing Carlton Street, and some restoration of lost elements, as well as rehabilitating the structures.Article contentArticle contentBuilding the separate, 10-storey residential building behind the heritage buildings is also part of the second phase.Article contentPhase 3 focuses on the two 34-storey towers with linked podiums surrounding a courtyard and separated from all the heritage buildings.Article contentAre we Toronto?Article contentMembers of the heritage advisory committee spoke up with concerns about the towers overshadowing the heritage homes and worries of another drop.
Developer looking to add 10-storey building next to twin 34-storey high rises in downtown Halifax
