Halifax to sell Khyber Building for below market value

The Khyber Building in downtown Halifax is one step closer to being revived.

Tenants were forced out of the city-owned property in 2014 after safety concerns, including asbestos, were found.

On Tuesday, council voted unanimously to declare the property at 1588 Barrington Street surplus and sell it under the Community Interest Category.

READ: Khyber building reno proposal includes fourth floor, elevator

That means the historic building will sell for below market value — for as low a a dollar.

The 1588 Barrington Building Preservation Society, a group of non-profit organizations that has been fighting to save the Khyber from demolition, is now eager to start turning the building into an arts hub.

Their proposal will see the space become a place for artists, musicians and community groups. It’s been estimated to take up to 24 months before the public process is complete.

“We of course hope that it goes on the shorter end of the 12 to 24 months because the building has already been empty for two years and we really want to see that cornerstone of Barrington Street reopened again and activated,” said society member Emily Davidson.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "We of course hope that it goes on the shorter end of the 12 to 24 months because the building has already been empty for two years and we really want to see that cornerstone of Barrington Street reopened again and activated," said society member Emily Davidson.

It’s also not guaranteed the group will be able to purchase the building. An administrative order doesn’t allow the city to sell the property to a specific group. Instead, there will be an open call where all non-profit organizations can submit a proposal.

“I think the only real surprise is the fact that you can’t just direct the sale to one organization, that you actually have to go through the community process,” said Halifax South Downtown councillor, Waye Mason.

“I have a motion to try and fix that so the next guy who has to go through this process doesn’t have to deal with it.”

Far from competing with any potentially interested groups, the 1588 Barrington Building Preservation Society is inviting any other groups with ideas to join them.

“We’re really excited to announce that we will be putting forward a proposal through the official public hearing process and we really welcome any other community groups who maybe have an idea but don’t know if they can fully flesh it out, come to us,” said Davidson.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "We're really excited to announce that we will be putting forward a proposal through the official public hearing process and we really welcome any other community groups who maybe have an idea but don't know if they can fully flesh it out, come to us," said Davidson.

The Society estimates refurbishing the building — including asbestos abatement — will cost $3 million. They’re continuing to raise the money through community donations, as well as pursuing provincial and federal funding.