13 Aug Where’s that shovel again?

Posted at 15:45h in Money, Nova Scotia Politics by

Developers often portray Halifax as a place where they face a demoralizing obstacle course of preservationists and pencil pushers whenever they try to build anything. But lately, the self-styled progressives have been winning the day, vanquishing opponents  to win approval for project after project.

So where are the shovels?

A friend of Contrarian took a stroll around downtown Halifax recently and sent us this photo album of projects long since approved but not yet begun.

 

Sisters missing, not twisted


This project, approved in 2007 after a long fight with its detractors, featured two buildings with vertical twists, like licorice sticks. The “Twisted Sisters” were to replace the unlamented Tex-Park garage at Sackville and Granville.

 

Former O’Carroll’s et al


In 2008, then-premier Rodney MacDonald intervened in favour of development here because Halifax “must move forward, not step backward.” (Duke and Lower Water)

 

 St. Joseph’s Catholic Church


Shovel-ready since May 2009. (Gottigen and Kaye)

 

Former Herald Building


The building was dreary, but the new view, created in March 2010, is worse. Work on a convention centre at the site will begin as soon as the developers can get more government money. (Argyle St.)

 

Former Midtown Tavern


The Midtown Tavern, with its terrazzo floor and access to the women’s washroom through the kitchen, had genuine character. Across from the Herald, it, too, makes way for the new convention centre – as soon as the developers can get more government money. (Grafton and Prince)

 

WDC Property 


The Waterfront Development Corporation took back this lot in March 2011 after it got tired of waiting for the developer to break ground. (Lower Water St., across from the Brewery Market)

 

Unique view of Province House


This lot’s been empty so long that it would be unfair to include it if it weren’t across from Province House, Nova Scotia’s legislature (background). Mercifully, that building has so far escaped the attention of Halifax’s dynamic demolition development sector. (Barrington St., south of George St., looking through to Granville)

H/T: Anon.