Granville Mall (Halifax)
History
Early development
Granville Street was originally a residential area with wooden houses and garden lots. However, it gradually transformed into a commercial center, particularly after the railway line to Windsor was constructed, and the signing of the treaty reciprocity with the United States in 1845, which reduced custom barriers and increased trade.
Fire and reconstruction
On 9 September 1859, 60 buildings in downtown Halifax, including all wooden shops in the north of Granville Street, were destroyed by a fire. This event led to the reconstruction of the mall by the Toronto architectural firm of William Thomas & Sons. The firm designed a unified streetscape with cast iron store fronts, Italianate detailing, and forms that would soon dominate prime Halifax building. The buildings were constructed using stone and brick, which became the standard materials for new construction in the city.