Centuries-old Halifax house completes its journey to new location

HALIFAX - Dozens of people clapped and cheered today as a 249-year-old Halifax home arrived at its final resting place after a painstaking, two-day journey through the city's downtown.

Morris House was named after the city's first surveyor and is considered to be among the earliest houses built in Halifax.

The grey, wood-shingled house reached its new home on a lot at the corner of Creighton and Charles streets Sunday afternoon a few hours behind schedule, but in one piece.

Crews placed wooden boards over robust fiber optic cables so that the house could manoeuvre over the planks and into its designated spot in the north end of the city.

Nova Scotia Power utility crews had also moved utility lines to permit the final stage of the journey.

The house was rescued from demolition in 2009 and will be revitalized and turned into affordable housing for young adults.