Halifax-area residents are closer to having more affordable housing in the city’s north end.
Housing Nova Scotia has chosen Lydon Lynch Architects to help with the conceptual design to develop the Bloomfield property.
It is a major milestone in the visionary residential project.
“Bloomfield will be a major development for Housing Nova Scotia, and provide a significant increase in homes that are affordable for people and families in Halifax,” said Joanne Bernard, Minister of Community Services, which is responsible for Housing Nova Scotia. “This is a unique and exciting opportunity for our province to showcase a new sustainable approach to building healthy, vibrant and diverse communities.”
The redevelopment of the 3.28-acre former school site will create a unique mixed-use, mixed-income community of at least 478 residential units over three phases. It will also include non-profit, community and commercial space.
Housing Nova Scotia and its community partner Imagine Bloomfield are working with volunteers on public consultation to ensure the project meets the community’s needs.
“Awarding the conceptual-design contract is another significant milestone in the redevelopment of the Bloomfield site,” said Susanna Fuller, co-chair of Imagine Bloomfield. “We are excited to be getting beyond the imagining, and moving into the creating phase of what will be one of the more exciting urban projects in Nova Scotia.”
Bloomfield’s mix of affordable and market-priced units, non-profit cultural, creative and open spaces are meant to create a thriving community-based development.
“Bloomfield will establish a benchmark for how urban communities can evolve through a thoughtful engagement process resulting in meaningful places to live, work, learn, engage, create and contribute,” added Kevin Malloy, CEO of Housing Nova Scotia.
The contract with Lydon Lynch Architects to oversee conceptual design and LEED certification was awarded through a procurement process and is valued at $200,000. It will include public feedback in the design.
Consultation will begin next month to define and establish how affordable housing should be provided and, as outlined in the province’s housing strategy, how other services can be integrated into community-based development. The conceptual design will be launched in November.
“We have put together a specialized team for Bloomfield consisting of the best of the best in our city,” said Eugene Pieczonka, team leader and principal with Lyndon Lynch Architects. “I know that, together with Housing Nova Scotia, Imagine Bloomfield and the community, we can build something very special and successful. Our goal is to create an exemplary, affordable and diverse development that Housing Nova Scotia and the community can be very proud of.”
Lydon Lynch Architects has won numerous design awards, including the 2010 Lieutenant Governor’s award for the Seaport Farmers Market. They have also designed King’s Wharf, the RCMP headquarters in Dartmouth and are developing numerous urban projects in Halifax, including 22nd Commerce Square, which will transform a downtown city block into an innovative, mixed-use destination.
Halifax Regional Municipal Council endorsed Housing Nova Scotia’s bid to redevelop the site in December 2012.
Source: Release