The Press Block

The Press Block is a mixed-use development located at the corner of Barrington, George, and Granville Streets in Downtown Halifax. The project integrates residential units and commercial space with two prominent heritage buildings: the Kenny–Dennis building (1863) and the Acadian Recorder building (1900).

In order to evaluate the dynamic, layered history of the site, we compiled a Heritage Impact Assessment Report. While the vacant lot provided a new infill opportunity along the Barrington Conservation District, our research revealed a rich history of Journalism and Press that became the foundation of our approach.

The proposed development takes cues from the site’s history, reinstating the corner of Barrington and George as a significant commercial landmark in reference to the former Cragg Building (demolished 1989). To prevent the new built fabric from visually overwhelming the heritage buildings, it is divided into visually discrete elements that respond to their scale, rhythm, and fenestration. The integrity of the Kenny-Dennis and Acadian Recorder buildings are maintained through intentional streetwall breaks and setbacks to articulate the cornice line and historic details.

As part of our holistic approach, we developed a comprehensive design package that integrates the cultural history of the site into the Branding, Interior, and Interpretive Design elements. The theme of a press district highlights the many newspapers produced in the area, Acadian Recorder, Chronicle-Herald, Mail-Star, Morning Herald, and Evening Mail. As a combination of old and new, The Press Block continues the narrative and pays reference to journalism, typography, and the printing press.

Project Team

Matt Reynolds (Brand & Interiors Lead), Chris Crawford (Project Architect), Julien Boudreau (Technical Lead), Ardena Paul (Architectural Tech), Margot Durling (Designer), Ben Cottrill (Designer). Firm of Record: Fathom Studio.