Our Heritage HomeAfter over a century of peripatetic existence, the Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts came home to our own heritage building in the heart of peninsular Halifax. The Conservatory has been almost itinerant since its inception in the late 1800's. Overall, the Conservatory has had 10 locations, but now it has a home! Ideally situated in peninsular Halifax at 6199 Chebucto Road, the Maritime Conservatory is easily accessible from all parts of the municipality either by car or by public transit. Community members from all walks of life and economic situations find the location in the middle of the city unintimidating and approachable. The grand old building is currently serving the needs of the Conservatory's 1700 students, but it needs significant restoration. In fact, the acquisition of this heritage building from the City of Halifax was contingent upon the Conservatory's commitment to restore the building and its grounds. Built in 1910 as Halifax's Chebucto Road School, the Conservatory's new home was designated a heritage building eight decades later because of the role it played in the aftermath of the Halifax Explosion of 1917. Twelve-hundred victims of the disaster rested in a temporary morgue in the basement of the building. Thomas Raddall, who later wrote about the explosion in his memoirs, was a grade nine student in the school at the time. After many years as a public school, the building served as home to the Halifax City Schools Music Department until 1994. With 39,000 square feet, 9 classrooms and 17 music and dance studios, this heritage building ideally suits the needs of the Conservatory's current and future programs. The old recital hall, with its soaring tin ceilings will be restored to better than its original situation as an on-site performance centre. The proposed restoration of the building comprises complete exterior restoration, improvement and enhancement of parking lot and walkways, installation of green areas and bench seating, surface landscaping and perimeter planting. The interior restoration will both restore and upgrade the building to accommodate its modern use as a music and dance school. This will involve maintaining the interior integrity while adding modern lighting, sound-proofing, office space etc. as befits a modern performing arts school. |
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