New condo, office proposal includes heritage building near downtown war memorial

A St. John's law firm has applied to have a heritage building neighbouring the downtownwar memorial rezoned as amixed-use building.

Roebothan McKay Marshall Accident and Injury Law has sent a proposal to the city, which will be considered by the city's committee of the whole, to redevelop and include the use of the former Breakwater Books facade at 100 Water St.

The proposal outlinesa six-storey building with three levels of parking below ground.

The first floor will be dedicated tooffices and retail space,a museum dedicated to the war memorial, two levels of office spaceand three levels of condominiums at the top, which will fit 18 units total.

However the City of St. John's has stringent regulations on heritage-approved buildings, which includeneeding approval from the city before making any renovations to the appearance of or building an addition to a heritage building.

While the proposal is focused onusingthe formerBreakwater Books building, Roebothan McKay Marshall is looking to add additional levels above, made of almost completely glass and adding a structure nearthe war memorial where a vacant lot currently exists to tie the entire building together.

The proposal argues that the building was originally zoned as mixed-use beginning in 1894.

"Since the original occupants both worked and lived in this building it was designed to serve this dual purpose, having the shop located on the ground level and residential space on the upper levels," reads the proposal.

"Therefore, historically this site has always been a mixed-use site."

Coun. Maggie Burton, who represents the city on planning and development and heritage, was unavailable for a comment on the proposal.

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