Students from Saint Mary’s Elementary school shared their urban vision at a construction celebration at the site of Southwest Properties’ latest residential project on Friday, May 2nd, 2014. Several large-scale, painted plywood murals were unveiled and installed as public art on the hoarding around the Hollis Street lot.
Early in March, the school children were provided the opportunity to artistically express their vision of living, working, and playing in the urban core. The event showcased the school murals, reveal the name and logo for the multi-unit residential building and marked the completion of the site demolition, signaling the start of construction.
During a noon celebration, Southwest Chairman and CEO, Jim Spatz announced to the construction crew, employees and a group of stakeholders, that the residential development will be named Maple.
“We feel the chosen name pays homage to Canada and recognizes the Bank of Canada building that was located on the site for over 60 years.” The federal Coat of Arms that adorned the building since its opening in 1959 will be featured onsite.
When completed in the Spring of 2016, the complex will offer unparalleled living in the downtown core. The project will be built to environmentally sustainable standards, targeting Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) gold standard. The 21 storey building will contain 300 rental units, ground floor retail and will also provide significant new public spaces leading to the waterfront and surrounding buildings.
“This is the largest residential rental building ever built in downtown Halifax,” said Spatz. When occupied, the building will add up to 500 people living in the downtown core who will contribute to the overall vibrancy of the urban lifestyle. “It will be a beautiful and affordable urban oasis for residents.”
The site at 1583 Hollis Street is nearing completion of the demolition phase. Construction is slated to start this summer, with completion scheduled for Spring 2016.