Feedback process for the repurposing of York House begins on December 13

Fredericton (December 7) – Further to the City of Fredericton’s announcement to seek public input into the repurposing of York House, the feedback process will begin with a public open house in Council Chamber at Fredericton City Hall starting at 6 pm on Tuesday, December 13, 2011. 

“Come hear a brief presentation about York House and then participate in a question and answer session aimed at understanding more about the building,” said Coun. Stephen Chase, chair of the York House Working Group.  “That same night, a web page providing more information about the building and an online consultation form will go live.”

As part of the consultation process, which will last until January 31, 2011, the City of Fredericton will make available zoning information, floor plans for the building, a site map, the historic statement of significance for the property, and the terms of reference for the working group.

The City of Fredericton purchased York House in December of 2007 with the intent of saving the late-19th Century historic building from demolition and converting it into municipal offices.  Further research determined that such a plan was not financially viable for the municipality. 

The request to form a working group tasked with the repurposing of York House came from the Development Committee meeting of October 18, 2011.  Fredericton City Council approved the members of the York House Working Group and the Terms of Reference for the repurposing at the regular Council meeting of November 14, 2011. Recommendations on the repurposing of the building will eventually be reported back to City Council.

The terms of reference for the building’s repurposing are to determine the optimal strategy for the historic building, either in a public or private context.  Regardless of the future use, any repurposing effort must ensure that the exterior of the building maintain its historic look and is self-sustaining, requiring no ongoing funding from the City of Fredericton.

About York House

York House, located at 193 York Street, was constructed in 1893.  It was designed by James C. Dumaresq, architect of the New Brunswick Legislative Building, as well as St. Paul’s United Church and the Charlotte Street School.
 
The building was originally constructed to house the Fredericton High School and an elementary school.  Through the years, York House has also been used for Teachers’ College classrooms, the City’s public library, a Student Employment Centre and a Youth Hostel.

The Brunswick Street Baptist Church purchased the property in 1965.  The building was used for various church purposes and was renamed York House.  Due to the growing needs of the church, plans were developed for a new church building.  To allow for the new building, York House was to be demolished.

Due to public concern regarding the demolition of the building, Fredericton City Council directed City Staff to negotiate with the church and congregation to buy the building for use as municipal office space.  A deal to purchase York House and allow the church to expand was approved in December 2007.

The building was added to the City of Fredericton’s Local Historic Places Register in July of 2009.

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Media Contact:  Wayne Knorr, Communications Manager, City of Fredericton, 506-460-2181