History

A Landmark For The Millennium

The first of its kind in the Halifax area, Greenvale Lofts is the second story told by the red brick two-storey at the corner of Ochterloney and Pine Street in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. The first story of this grand structure began in 1915. Greenvale Lofts was first Greenvale School, which was itself constructed to replace a previous school, destroyed by fire in 1914.

The construction of the new fireproof building, by Rhodes and Curry of Amherst, was so sound that it calmly withstood the Halifax explosion of 1917; and was even used as a sanctuary for the homeless after the disaster. Then, after more than 70 years as a school of firsts (first kindergarten, first high school, etc.) Greenvale closed in 1987, standing empty until it could be rescued for this project in 2006.

Today, architect Michael Napier breathes new life back into this charming historical fixture, preserving the original grace of the property with its proud columns and heritage trees, while gently and subtly bringing full modern function to a unique living space.

Andrew Cobb – Architect & Urban Planner

Andrew Randall Cobb (1876 – 1943) is legendary architect and urban planner. In his day, Cobb was the most renowned architect in Atlantic Canada. He is one of the first graduates of the Ecole des Beaux Arts (Paris, France) to practice architecture in Atlantic Canada. He was responsible for many of Halifax’s important residential, commercial and institutional buildings including Greenvale School in old Dartmouth.

As an urban planner he created towns using garden city design techniques. His homes are famous for their comfortable interiors, well-crafted details and built-in furniture.