2009

23 September 2009 Historic Train Station Plans Worry Architect A graphic illustration of what the new NB Liquor store will look like, incorporating the historic Fredericton train station.     Frederiction New Brunswick - A Fredericton architect is criticizing NB Liquor's designs for the city's historic train station as resembling an appendage of just another big box store.   NB Liquor and J.D. Irving Ltd. announced plans last week that would see the dilapidated station turned into a boutique store that would be attached to a larger retail outlet of the province's liquor corporation.   John Leroux, a Fredericton architect who has written two books on historic landmarks in the capital city, said he's worried that the heritage aspect of the old train station may be lost in the renovations.   Leroux said he was delighted to hear the old Canadian Pacific Railway station would be saved, until he saw preliminary drawings for the finished project.   He said those in charge of the design should take a step back and ask themselves some questions before going ahead.   "What does this building want to be? What does this site want to be?" Leroux said.   "This is also going to be a catalyst for massive redevelopment in that area. So you got one shot at it, so treat it as the precious jewel that it is."   NB Liquor and J.D. Irving Ltd. have entered into a 20-year lease arrangement for the refurbished building. The new store will open in August 2010.   Along with the refurbished 318 square-metre train station, a 929-square-metre structure will be added at the rear of the train station, which will house the store's products, a cold room, and the checkout counters.   Preliminary Drawings   Mary Keith, a spokeswoman for J.D. Irving Ltd., said the architectural drawings that were released at the announcement are only preliminary.   And, Keith said, the final decision won't be made until public hearings are held into how the station is going to be renovated.   As well, the upgrades must adhere to Heritage Canada standards, she said.   "We're certainly focused on achieving a restoration that meets with their standards," Keith said.   The public hearings on the $2 million project will likely be held within 30 days.   The company will begin work very soon on a roof that will protect the train station over the winter.   CPR built the station in 1923 and J.D. Irving Ltd. acquired it when the company bought the rail lines east of Montreal in 1995.   Since then, the station has been deteriorating, even though Parks Canada's Historic Sites and Monuments Board designated it as a heritage site in 1991.

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