ATLANTIC CANADA Downtown Halifax TD Centre renovation and expansion creates city’s largest Class A space Unique challenges for architect, contractor in combining heritage renovation and modern development Canadian Design and Construction Report special feature The downtown Halifax TD Centre’s renovation and ex- pansion is a unique example of heritage and modern building renovation/redevelopment in a congested down- town area. TD Centre owner TDB Halifax Holdings Ltd. has never disclosed the exact project cost, but a company repre- sentative says the budget is larger than the $25 million cost announced for the new Waterside Centre. The project, which has been designed to achieve LEED Gold (core and shell) certification, will double floor space from 100,000 to 200,000 sq. ft. “When complete, the TD Centre Halifax will be the largest and newest Class A smart building in Halfax,” the owner’s representative said. The project also incorporates a three-story addition to the 18-story office tower and incorporates an adjacent heritage facade. “We’re stripping back the original building to its con- crete frame, adding new mechanical, electrical and com- munication systems, and creating a new and efficient 42 – Spring 2013 — The Canadian Design and Construction Report envelope,” says Eugene Pieczonka, principal with Lydon Lynch Architects. Design team members tried to find relevant examples to understand how similar challenges were resolved, but in the end had to use their own ingenuity as nothing com- parable could be found, Pieczonka said. “The project is located in the financial district of down- town Halifax so we have limited access and space. We’re working with a heritage façade from the 19th century, an office tower from the 20th century and a comprehensive addition and renovation for the 21st century, all while al- lowing existing tenants to remain in the building.” He said construction manager EllisDon innovated with a strategy to take over a single lane along one of three streets facing the building for a delivery and staging area. This has reduced traffic problems, but also means every- thing must be delivered on a just-in-time schedule. “The other significant co-ordination effort involves the current tenants,” Pieczonka said. “We are clearing three to four floors at a time, moving tenants into temporary swing spaces so construction can move up the building and then moving them into new permanent spaces.”