Fenwick Tower, Halifax

The Vuze, formerly known as Fenwick Tower and Fenwick Place, is a notable residential apartment building located in the south end of Halifax. Rising to a height of 120 meters with 33 stories, it held the title of the tallest building in Atlantic Canada from its completion in 1971 until 2023. The structure occupies a site between Fenwick Street and South Street, its name originating from Fenwick Street, which itself honors Sir William Fenwick Williams, a former Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia.

Fenwick Place was planned as the largest residential project east of Toronto but faced financial troubles and was acquired by Dalhousie University, which converted it into a student residence. A planned rooftop pool was scrapped due to high costs. During construction, Hurricane Beth flooded elevator shafts with 17 feet of water. Early residents moved into unfinished apartments lacking heat, windows, and other essentials.

The building features four elevators, including an express elevator that serves only the basement, lobby, and upper floors. Another elevator has dual doors and is mainly used for service, while the remaining two serve all floors. Under the ownership of Templeton Properties, the building underwent further modifications, including the addition of two floors, increasing its total height to 120 meters.

The Vuze has unique design quirks, including an unmarked floor between the 15th and 16th for maintenance, no designated 13th floor, and a numbering mismatch. The 31st floor holds mechanical rooms without elevator access, while the 30th extends storage into the level below.

Now managed as The Vuze, this building remains an integral part of Halifax's skyline, reflecting its storied past, architectural peculiarities, and continuous adaptation over time.