It includes the oldest storefront in Halifax and the site of the famous 18th-century tavern “The Great Pontack”, where James Wolfe planned the siege of Louisbourg and Quebec.

Supporters like the Downtown Halifax Business Commission say that developers should be given a free rein to promote economic activity.

[citation needed] The debate also led Nova Scotia's Conservative Premier Rodney MacDonald to intervene in the city's politics in support of the development and demolition.

[7] A signature with over 690 names opposing the development was presented to Halifax City Council in October 2008[8] Possible solutions have been suggested include a land swap or a compromise development but to date all have been rejected by Armour Group except for an offer to reduce the office tower by two stories if given large property tax breaks.

[13] Royal Bank held a competition open to students and recent graduates of the adjacent Nova Scotia College of Art and Design seeking a "signature artwork" for the development.