1592 Barrington | 22 m | 6 fl | Complete

[OldDartmouthMark]

X3 for liking the brick.

[coolmillion]

Originally Posted by Drybrain

Is that true or is that just an assumption? There's nothing wrong with buildings giving a nod to their context.

I like the brick. It's a subtle but effective way of integrating two very different architectural styles.

I can't pinpoint the exact policy but there are mentions of complementarity, compatibility, etc. throughout Halifax's planning policies. Design-wise a nod to context can be done in many different ways. I personally believe that the most appropriate are scale, lines an the way buildings interact with the street similarly. Juxtaposition of old and new styles and materials can be a very good way to highlight the importance of historic architecture but I don't think that works very well within the same building in this case. I find it jarring. I like the contrasts with the neighbouring buildings though.

[someone123]

This one does appear to be coming together. I think what I actually like about the facade is that it's broken up, not necessarily that red brick was used for part of it.

[eastcoastal]

Originally Posted by coolmillion

This building is a great little project. I hope they find tenants quickly, especially retail on the ground floor.
The one element that I don't like is the brick above the entry. This was clearly done to conform with some ridiculous design standard that suggests that modern buildings next to heritage properties should display some compatible or complementary materials. Instead of "tying in" to the fabric of the block as such policies intend, it ends up looking like an amateurish mistake.

I agree in theory... often trying to tie in to existing heritage fabric results in chintzy weirdo design moves that read as ill-considered.

I do not agree in the result here: I think it's a lovely little building that looks nice on its own, and raises the appeal of its somewhat dilapidated neighbours. In particular, I think the brick works well as a texture (hand-sized units arranged together) next to the smooth planes of glass - something I don't think more glass or another monolithic cladding would provide.

[Drybrain]

Originally Posted by eastcoastal

I agree in theory... often trying to tie in to existing heritage fabric results in chintzy weirdo design moves that read as ill-considered.

I do not agree in the result here: I think it's a lovely little building that looks nice on its own, and raises the appeal of its somewhat dilapidated neighbours. In particular, I think the brick works well as a texture (hand-sized units arranged together) next to the smooth planes of glass - something I don't think more glass or another monolithic cladding would provide.

Exactly, it's not a fussy faux-heritage design flourish, like some fake dormers or doric columns. Instead it's a very subtle extension of the neighbouring brick wall, in colour and massing, that sort of fades into the new building. It looks very contemporary, while indicating that this is a developer/architect who's trying to tie his building harmoniously into the existing block.

It's thoughtful architecture that gains more every time you look at it. We need more of it in this town! I'm a staunch defender of Barrington as a heritage district, but this building is a great shot of contemporary architecture to contrast all the old buildings with. I think it turned out better than the renderings, even.

[curnhalio]

I'm beyond thrilled that the concrete wall outside this building that made Barrington super narrow is finally gone! I suspect this means the exterior is largely done and interior work will continue.

[Jonovision]

Exterior construction appears to now be complete.

[enjoy*responsibly]

Cool, looks great

[worldlyhaligonian]

Very nice!

[haligonia]

A perfect infill project! I hope that a retail tenant moves in soon.

[counterfactual]

Originally Posted by haligonia

A perfect infill project! I hope that a retail tenant moves in soon.

Is it retail?

It looks to me, like it could be a really cool office space for a startup, something like that.

[haligonia]

Originally Posted by counterfactual

Is it retail?

It looks to me, like it could be a really cool office space for a startup, something like that.

The ground floor is being marketed as retail space, with office space occupying the upper floors.

[someone123]

Might as well repost this one. I think this new building really adds to the streetscape. When the NFB Building is done and the Tramway building is restored the two blocks on the left will be pretty much perfect, at least architecturally.

The extra floors on TD make a difference too.


Source

[Jonovision]

[Ziobrop]

i think this one is done. perhaps one of the mods can flip the thread to completed.

You can View the whole progress of this project at http://1592.builthalifax.ca/

I have one more post to do. Im going to attempt to close it out, buy re-producing the rendering when (if) the snow is gone.

[OldDartmouthMark]

Originally Posted by Jonovision

Nice pic! Shows how well it blends in while also providing contrast with the adjacent heritage properties, a really nice mix of new and old.

And infinitely better than the old rundown TipTop building that it replaced.

[Jonovision]

Originally Posted by OldDartmouthMark

Nice pic! Shows how well it blends in while also providing contrast with the adjacent heritage properties, a really nice mix of new and old.

And infinitely better than the old rundown TipTop building that it replaced.

Thanks! In different lighting it looks even better. It's hard to capture the pure glass railing on the roof, but it adds an extra layer of detail. As does all the wood work in the lobby.

[eastcoastal]

This poor thing is still vacant. Sigh

[counterfactual]

Originally Posted by eastcoastal

This poor thing is still vacant. Sigh

When the Roy and Maple are done, it'll get filled.

I just hope little businesses like the Old Apothecary Bakery will survive until then. What a great little place!

[IanWatson]

Originally Posted by eastcoastal

This poor thing is still vacant. Sigh

I don't think the entire thing is vacant. I seem to recall seeing furniture in the windows of the upper two or three floors.