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- calendar_today October 14, 2026
Former Halifax Alehouse Building Moves Toward Heritage Status
The building that once housed the Halifax Alehouse at 1717 Brunswick Street has been recommended for inclusion on the heritage property registry. The Halifax Regional Municipality's heritage advisory committee determined the structure meets all necessary criteria for designation following an application by its owner earlier this year.
History and Architecture of 1717 Brunswick Street
Constructed between 1893 and 1895, the building was designed by local architect Henry F. Busch. Over its 130-year history, the site has served a variety of purposes, including as home to bars, a printing company, an abstinence club, and the Salvation Army. The property is regarded as a notable example of Italianate architecture, featuring brick string courses and a central pair of round-headed windows. Described as a two-storey brick and beam (or mill construction) building, it includes a heavy timber frame with load-bearing brick walls. Despite surrounding development, the building has maintained a high level of architectural integrity, according to a city staff report.
Process Leading to Heritage Recommendation
The heritage advisory committee's evaluation considered factors such as the building's age, historical importance, architectural merit, and its relationship to the neighborhood. The staff report highlighted the structure as a landmark that significantly enhances the heritage character of its surroundings thanks to its integrity, age, and design. "I think this is a great building to be preserved with heritage status," said Coun. David Hendsbee, a committee member.
Events Surrounding the Halifax Alehouse Closure and Ownership
The building has been vacant for nearly two years, following the closure of the Alehouse bar in 2024. The closure came after a bouncer employed by the Alehouse killed a patron in December 2022. Subsequent to the incident, the property was sold to the Ramia Group, which initially applied for a demolition permit in 2025. This move led the Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia to launch a petition to preserve the historic structure.
More recently, Ramia Group submitted an application for heritage status for the building. The company did not immediately provide comment to CBC News regarding its current plans for the property.
Next Steps for Heritage Status Decision
After the positive recommendation from the heritage advisory committee, the fate of 1717 Brunswick Street will be decided by the Halifax Regional Municipality's regional council at a future meeting. Tyler Brothers, chair of the committee, described the building as "definitely a rare example" of its type within the area.
Significance for Halifax Heritage
The recommendation to designate the former Halifax Alehouse building as a heritage property reflects ongoing efforts to recognize and protect sites of historical and architectural value in Halifax. Its Italianate architecture and continuous role in the downtown community highlight its enduring significance on Brunswick Street.
Source: cbc.ca.
