An iconic group of buildings on the Halifax waterfront is slated to be renovated starting this September. The stone and wooden buildings known as Historic Properties, which are occupied mostly by retail shops and restaurants, are owned by the Halifax Regional Municipality and leased to the Armour Group. The Halifax real estate firm holds a long-term lease for the buildings, which are bordered by Upper Water Street, the harbour, the Law Courts building and the Marriott hotel.
The area is a National Historic Site, with buildings dating back to the early 1800s. Armour Group CEO Scott McCrea described the renovations as "enhancements" and said he has no intention of taking down any of the historic structures. "In many ways, it's a public trust," he said of the area, adding that he knows people care deeply about the old warehouse buildings.
$2.5M in upgrades McCrea said the renovations are part of Armour's agreement with the city, which, according to a 2015 council report, requires a $2.5-million investment from Armour for "public realm projects.
" In addition to the renovations at Historic Properties, other changes are on the horizon for the Halifax waterfront, including a redevelopment of the ferry terminal. (Robert Short/CBC) McCrea said the work will include new lighting, signage, landscaping and upgrades to the sewage system. "It's going to be beautiful and really change the feel," he said.
Tenants moving out McCrea would not discuss Armour's subleases with tenants of Historic.
