Every building has a story. The challenge – and the thrill – is finding the right words to tell it. When I was approached to develop the copy for the Press Block, a new residential and commercial landmark in Halifax, I knew this project would require more than just listing features and amenities. It needed a narrative that honoured the site’s deep history while capturing its modern transformation.
Located at the corner of Barrington, George, and Granville Streets, Press Block sits on a site that once housed some of Nova Scotia’s most influential newspapers. This legacy of storytelling became the foundation for the copy I wrote. I wanted to create something that felt as timeless as the buildings that came before it, using language that would connect the past with the present and invite future residents to write their own chapter in Halifax’s history.
Despite having only artistic renderings from the outside, the tone and style took shape through extensive research into the site’s heritage, the architectural vision, brand strategy, and the experience of living in Halifax’s vibrant downtown core.
As an exercise in creative writing, I imagined what it would be like waking up in the bedroom, stepping out into the living room to see the morning sun, and making coffee in the kitchen. I thought about how my surroundings would influence the way I think and feel, and my mindset for the day.
Overall, it was fun to explore both meditation and artistic expression that resulted in some happy clients. I can’t wait to see the Press Block become part of Halifax’s ever-evolving story!