Halifax Waterfront’s Queen’s Marque, a 41,800-m² (449,931-sf) mixed-use complex, has been unveiled as a significant Canadian landmark shaped by Nova Scotians and for Nova Scotians, designed to serve as the city’s “living room,” according to the project’s architect.
Spearheaded by developer and CEO of Armour Group Ltd., Scott Armour McCrea, the project is a testament to his vision of creating a legacy that reflects confidence in Eastern Canada.
According to Brian MacKay-Lyons, founder of the project’s architecture firm, MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects, the goal was to create a “people place,” akin to a home on a larger scale. The central square is envisioned as the public living room of the city, telling the story of the region’s collective identity.
Queen’s Marque transcends conventional structures to become a vibrant district integrated into the urban fabric. This mixed-use development encompasses offices, a luxury hotel, shops, restaurants, and apartments. Inspired by maritime forms, the design enhances the skyline, preserves views, and creates public spaces, with the central square serving as the city’s public living room, connecting people to their heritage and community.
The sandstone building, flanked by perpendicular structures, opens 70 per cent of the site to public space, featuring art installations such as “The Lost Ship Bosque” and the “Tidal Beacon.” Numerous passages, including the Queen’s Landing, provide public access to the waterfront, reminiscent of riverside stairs.
Materials used in the construction reflect the local vernacular, with sandstone complementing neighbouring buildings and Muntz metal recalling 19th-century hull sheathing. Reclaimed cobblestone paving, hemlock boardwalks, and landscaping reinstating the original shoreline drift add elements of pride and curiosity. The project integrates art through site-specific installations exploring the harbour’s history and environmental phenomena.
Queen’s Marque, designed for the LEED Platinum Energy Model certification, incorporates energy-efficient features, such as a plant using frigid harbour water for cooling. Further, green roofing and Low-E glass minimize energy consumption. The development—anticipating sea level rise—elevates its ground level while maintaining a connection to the pedestrian experience, setting an environmental precedent for large-scale projects. Queen’s Marque stands as a symbol of collaboration, cultural preservation, and sustainable urban planning.
