King George V Building receives federal funding.

Members of the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador (HFNL) say they’re thrilled that the King George V Building in downtown St. John’s has been granted funding to aid its transformation into a hotel.

The building is one of eight historic properties across Canada that was issued funding by federal Environment Minister Stephane Dion Sept 23.

King George V Properties Inc. will use the nearly $500,000 - $498,630 to be exact – to convert the Water Street building into a 41-room boutique-style hotel, something the HFNL’s executive director says is only fitting for a building of its standing.

“I am delighted to see that this historical building will be given a new life,” George Chalker said in a release. “Historically, the site has accommodated visitors to St. John’s, and it is encouraging that, once again, it will be welcoming guests through its doors.”

Through the federal government’s year-old commercial heritage properties incentive fund, more than$4.4 million was awarded to the eight buildings, which must be under consideration for renovation and be listed on the Canadian Register of Historic Places.

The King George V Building was designated a municipal heritage site 15 years ago because of work and cultural contributions of Sir Wilfred Grenfell and the building’s involvement with the Grenfell Mission.

The building is the only structure east of Ontario that received funding through the federal initiative this year. Prior to the development of any historic site awarded funding, all proposed intentions have to receive certified accreditation by Parks Canada. Six of the eight properties funded this year are said to directly support the revitalization of the downtown area – the King George V Building included.

The deadline for next year’s grants is Jan. 14, 2005. The federal grants are part of an ongoing $30-million national project launched in November 2003 as part of the government’s Historic Places initiative.

The Telegram, September 29, 2004 Business Section – Development/Heritage