PLANAPP 2023-00150 - 5522-5540 Russell Street, Halifax

Request

Request
Application by WM Fares on behalf of a property owner, requesting to enter into a heritage development agreement on lands at 5522-5540 Russell Street, Halifax (PID 00127332), also known as St. Mark’s Church, to permit a 79-unit, 12-storey, multi-residential building on the registered heritage property, adjacent to but separate from the historic church building.

Background
This development agreement is being sought in accordance with Policy CHR-7 of the Regional Centre Secondary Municipal Planning Strategy (SMPS), which permits Council to consider a development agreement on any lot containing a registered heritage building to encourage the conservation and adaptive re-use of registered heritage buildings.

Heritage Significance
5522 Russell Street, Halifax, also known as St. Mark’s Church, was registered as a municipal heritage property in 1995. The property contains a brick masonry church building which was designed by architect W.J. Busch and constructed from 1920 to 1921. It is a highly representative example of the gothic revival style. The church has historically served an important role as the garrison church of both the Royal integrity.

Proposal

New Construction

The applicant is proposing the construction of a multi-residential building located on the lands of the registered heritage property but built to the west of the existing church building, physically separate from the church. The new building is proposed to be 12 storeys tall and to contain 79 units. Two stories of underground parking are proposed to provide parking for 32 vehicles, as well as a bike room and storage lockers. The underground parking entrance is proposed to be accessed via Russell Street. The 11^th storey is proposed to include 1449sqft of indoor amenity space and 1005sqft of outdoor amenity space for residents.

Church Rehabilitation

A key element of the proposal is the rehabilitation and continued use of the registered heritage building (the church). A non-original (1960s) addition to the church will be modified to reduce its footprint. The original church is proposed to be rehabilitated in accordance with the Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places to enhance its longevity and enable it to continue functioning as a church and community space.

Development Agreement Scope

If approved, the development agreement would allow the property owner to construct a 12-storey, multi-residential building on the lands of St. Mark’s Church, a registered heritage property. The development agreement would also require the property owner to rehabilitate the registered heritage building at 5522 Russell Street, Halifax in accordance with the Substantial Alterations Application (HRTG-2023-00201) reviewed by the Heritage Advisory Committee and approved by Regional Council on Sept. 10, 2024 and to follow specific building control parameters for the multi-residential addition, which will include such controls as height, mass, architectural design, lot coverage, and others. 

Process

Heritage Development agreements are discretionary applications, meaning that they require the approval of Community Council to proceed. Details of the proposal have been published to the municipal website, and a sign will be posted on-site.

In the coming months, public feedback will be solicited via either a fact-sheet mailout or public information meeting, and residents within an 80m radius of the site will be notified by mail of the opportunity to provide feedback. Feedback may also be provided to HRM staff by anyone at any time via the contact details provided below.

After public engagement has been completed, HRM staff will negotiate a development agreement with the applicant and prepare a staff report and recommendation for review by the Heritage Advisory Committee and decision by Halifax and West Community Council. Prior to Community Council decision, a Public Hearing shall be held, and advertised through mail-out notifications sent to residents within a 80m radius of the site.

Staff have processed an associated application for Substantial Alterations to the municipally registered heritage property (St. Mark’s Church), which was reviewed by the Heritage Advisory Committee and approved by Regional Council on September 10, 2024.

Status

This application is in the pre-engagement stage. Once it is deemed ready to proceed to public engagement, residents within an 80m radius of the site will be notified by mail of the public engagement process and given an opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed development.

Documents Submitted for Evaluation

The applicant has submitted plans and studies required by HRM staff to properly evaluate the application. The documents are also available for review at the HRM Planning and Development office in Downtown Halifax (5251 Duke St, 3^rd Floor).

A-Site Plan Elevations Floor Plans Renders
B-Existing Conditions Drawing
C-Staff Report Heritage Registration 1994
D-Traffic Impact Statement
E-Heritage Impact Statement
F-Rationale Letter