Retrofit for Johnston Building

A $12- million retrofit of key government office space in downtown Halifax will begin this summer.

Ron Russell, Minister of Transportation and Public Work, said the Johnston Building, the former T. Eaton flagship store at the corner of Barrington and Prince Streets, will be completely rejuvenated over the next two years.

Heating and air systems are antiquated, the 70- year-old building leaks and the brick facade, windows and roof are all in serious disrepair.

"The Johnston Building is one of the few buildings government owns in downtown Halifax," said Mr. Russell. "We have to protect ourselves against rising rental rates by ensuring government maintains the amount of space it owns. The building needs repairs. We have to act now."

The department reviewed all options to deal with the Johnston Building's problems, including erecting a new office tower, or leasing space elsewhere. Retrofitting the building was deemed to be the best option. It is projected to save taxpayers about $6 million over 25 years.

A consultant will be hired to prepare detailed construction plans and tender documents that will be issued this spring.

The department is erecting protective scaffolding on sidewalks around the building and has shored up loose masonry on the building exterior until the major project gets underway.

Johnston Building tenants, including the Department of Community Services, will be relocated to leased space in August. The Nova Scotia Centre for Craft and Design will remain open during renovation.

In the central Halifax business district, the province of Nova Scotia owns the Dennis Building, the Hansard Building, One Government Place, the Provincial Building, Province House and the Johnston Building.