Macara-Barnstead Building

The Macara-Barnstead Building is valued for its historical associations and architectural style. Since its construction in 1825, the building has undergone numerous renovations and owners. The first known businesses to occupy the building was an apothecary's shop, and the residence of Dr. Charles Wallace. The middle floor was leased by a railroad company. In 1867, new owners divided the shops. One was occupied by J. P. Hagarty who sold musical instruments and Everett Bros who sold hats and caps. During this time the upper floor was occupied by Thomas Hutchins an agent for the Aetna Insurance Company and publisher of McAlpine's Halifax and Provincial Directories. In 1906, the plate glass front was added to the south side of the building and in 1922 the roof pitch was changed to flat. Damaged by fire, the building was renovated in 1936. After occupying the building for seventy years, Barnstead's Drug Store closed its doors in 1974 and the building's ownership has changed several times since. The building however, remains valued as a rare example of an adjoined Georgian shop and residential structure in Halifax with a two-storey plate-glass window.