United Memorial Church Development Application

Balancing densification with heritage conservation, UPLAND is guiding the adaptive re-use of Halifax’s historic United Memorial Church. Built in 1921 following the Halifax Explosion, the Andrew Cobb-designed landmark sat vacant and deteriorating after its congregation amalgamated. While current owners voluntarily secured heritage status, the massive restoration costs required a highdensity, non-conforming residential addition that defied regular municipal built-form limits.

Assisting Sidewalk Real Estate Development and Breakhouse Architecture, UPLAND resolved these competing demands by crafting a comprehensive Development Agreement application under Policy CHR-7. The master plan replaces a non-historic parish hall with a 12-storey, 60-unit residential tower. To respect the low-rise neighborhood, the design integrates grade-oriented townhouses along Young Street, masonry cladding, and a highly transparent top section to reduce visual scale.

When community opposition threatened the project, UPLAND led a transparent public engagement process that diffused tension and built collaboration. The resulting strategy restores a threatened architectural icon while delivering transitfriendly urban housing.