A Halifax heritage property on Hollis Street may soon become incorporated into a larger, six-storey building if a new proposal gets the needed approvals.

The building at 1459 Hollis St. was built in 1863 by Hants County businessman Benjamin Wier, who later became a senator. The building's current owners, Sable Offshore House Ltd., have since renovated the interior and exterior.

If the project proceeds as envisioned, the heritage building will be built into a modern, six-storey structure. A section on the back of the existing building will be torn down to make way for the modern addition. There will be offices on two floors that will directly connect to the older portion, as well as residential units on the upper floors.

Architect Jacob JeBailey wants to quell any worries that the front of the building will be changed.

Architect Jacob JeBailey said many historical buildings in Canada are being modernized in a similar fashion. He envisions something minimalistic and respectful. (CBC)

"You don't want to mimic the past and produce an addition that's almost like a fake façade," he said. "The idea here is to use contemporary materials, come up with something very clean, very simple, that's actually going to provide some contrast to the existing heritage building and highlight the sort of significance of its presence on the street."

JeBailey said many historical buildings in Canada are being modernized in a similar fashion. He envisions something respectful that "doesn't actually impose on the existing heritage building."

A preliminary presentation is being made to the design review committee later this week. Halifax's Heritage Advisory Committee has to approve the plans.

The proposal has already been approved by provincial heritage officials according to the architect