The Jade is a mixed use residential high-rise, located centrally in downtown Halifax. It incorporates 110 residential suites on 14 levels, a commercial ground floor and a three-storey parking garage (that also serves the adjacent building, by the same owner and designed in tandem with The Jade by A49).
The original Zellers building was a longstanding fixture on Barrington Street throughout the 20th century, most recently housing the former Discovery Centre – an interactive science museum. The Jade reinstates the historic limestone masonry facades of the original building, requiring meticulous cataloguing and storage during construction. The design strikes a dramatic contrast between the traditional stone facades of the building's podium and the all-glass curtain walls of the tower above. Throughout the organically shaped tower, residents can enjoy panoramic views of the Halifax Harbour and the surrounding city.
Although the original design concept was prepared by another firm, Architecture49 has provided full architectural services to advance the project through design development, permitting and construction.