Two Downtown Properties Receive Heritage Awards

The Heritage Area in the City of St. John’s is a unique and vibrant part of our culture. Each year on Heritage Day (the third Monday in February) the City of St. John’s recognizes individuals and businesses for their outstanding restorative efforts.
 
This year during the weekly City Council meeting, two very different properties will receive Heritage Awards:

• 32 Queen's Road is an historic, stone residence that has undergone extensive renovations over the past six years; and
• 53 Battery Road, which is new infill housing designed to blend in to the existing heritage area.

“The Downtown Heritage Area is the heart and soul of our City,” said co-chair of the City’s Heritage Advisory Committee, Councillor Sandy Hickman. “We are very pleased to recognize two property owners for their work in rehabilitating, restoring and celebrating our rich built heritage.”
 
32 Queen’s Road is owned by Morris Reid, who purchased the home in 2008 in a condemned state. Mr. Reid has restored the property which has historical and aesthetic value; it is an example of mid-19th century masonry structure and is historically significant because it predates the 1892 Great Fire of St. John’s.
 
The house on 53 Battery Road, owned by Wayne and Virginia Halley, is new infill construction. The older property has been demolished to allow for the new construction of this single family dwelling, however, the new construction had to meet the Battery Area height restrictions and also the Heritage Area requirements. 
 
“As a committee, we could think of no day more appropriate than Heritage Day to honour residents who have gone the extra mile to ensure our Heritage Area remains vibrant and creative,” said Heritage Advisory Committee co-chair, Councillor Dave Lane.
 
The Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador and Newfoundland Historic Trust will also participate in the event, which includes a proclamation signing by the Mayor to officially recognize the day as Heritage Day.
 
Media Contact:
Kelly Maguire
Media Relations
City of St. John's
709-576-8491
kmaguire@stjohns.ca