Heritage zone appeal puts Irving Oil headquarters on hold

The work to begin building Irving Oil's new headquarters in uptown Saint John is on hold after heritage conservationistarchitect, Jim Bezanson filed an appeal with the province's Assessment and Planning Appeal Board.

Bezanson said the building's plans don't comply with the rules of the designated heritage zone it will be built in.

At a planned 11 stories, Bezanson said the office tower is too high and too far back from the sidewalk. That, he said means it violates the city's heritage conservation area bylaws.

"They've done a wonderful job on a number of components on the development and I applaud them for doing that. However, the building does not respect the values that are set out in some of the bylaws that are established for development in Saint John," said Bezanson.

• Irving Oil reveals plans for new headquarters in Saint John
• Irving Oil announces new headquarters for Saint John

Irving Oil announced in Oct. 2015 that it would build the company's new headquarters next to the Imperial Theatre. The building would consolidate most of itsstaff in one location.

In February, the plans for the new building were unveiled with an expected spring start, an eventBezanson attended.

At that announcement, Sarah Irving, the company's executive vice president, said the new building would fit into the historical area of Kings Square in the uptown.

"Our priority is ensuring we're creating something that not only fits the character of our city, but also becomes a landmark we can all be proud of," Irving said.

The Saint John Heritage Development Board agreed and approved the plans.

Board satisfied

Board Chair Robert Boyce said the boardwas satisfied the building would still blend in with the character of the area.

"The concept was for a high quality, tall building on a very special site on Kings Square and frankly, I think the designers did a wonderfuljob responding to the historiccontext."

Presently, the tallest building in the area is the AdmiralBeattyHotel at eight stories.

Boyce said there were questions about the height and the setback from the property line that required consideration from the board and required specific approval.

"We had two public meetings with representatives from Irving Oil including their designers 'cause it was a serious large proposal, the kind we haven't contemplated in the past, so we wanted to give it time for due consideration and for ample opportunity for discussion."

Concerns expressed

Bezansonsaid he attended a meeting and was able to express his concerns at the time.

Boyce said the board felt the height of the building on the property where itwill be located wasn't so tall that it would be totally out of character for the area.

"Certainly any decision our board makes, we always are concerned about setting precedent for others to do the same. That's why we were prepared to consider, on this particularsite onKings Square, which is a different kind of location than the bulk of the properties in the conservation areas, that its location on the square and its adjacency to an already eight story tall building, in our minds made us comfortable with that decision."

But Bezanson said he disagrees.

"As soon as you make an exception for one, then why don't I don't I get an exception,why doesn't my neighbour get an exception?" Bezanson questioned.

No one from Irving Oil or the Assessment and Planning Appeal Board responded to requests from CBC for an interview.

There has been no date set to hear the appeal.

Boyce said until the appeal process is complete, no work can begin on the building.