PLANT HOUSE*

Possibly Sydney’s oldest building has new owner

Steve Wadden – Cape Breton Post

* These were the same Plants whose offspring resided in Alder Point for many years and some are still living in Cape Breton.

A woman walks past 96-98 Charlotte St., Sydney, in this May 2010 file photo. The building may be the oldest in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.

SYDNEY – A resident living just around the block from a historic piece of Sydney’s past has purchased the building in the north end neighbourhood. Esplanade resident Lexena Campbell bought the rundown rooming house at 96-98 Charlotte St., which is possibly the oldest building in the city, from Scottish Kings Real Estate Ltd. The building is currently under a demolition order by the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.

The Old Sydney Society was unsuccessful in its bid to buy and restore the property for residential or commercial use. A study of the wood tested at a dendrochronology lab indicated some trees used in the construction of the home dated back to the early 1780s.

The society has named the building Plant House, in honour of its first occupant, William Plant in 1786.

When reached for comment Monday, Campbell didn’t want to talk about her purchase.

“I’m just not ready to say anything yet,” she said.

However, the Cape Breton Post has learned she contacted the Old Sydney Society once the deal was complete.

“We have received (email) verification from the new owner of 96-98 Charlotte St. that they have purchased the building … and that they are considering their options over the next few weeks as to what they will be doing with the building,” society president Donnie Ward said.

“They haven’t told us what their options are, and in reply to this letter I have said that we hope one of their options is the preservation of the building.” – Donnie Ward

“They will be prepared to discuss with us their plans for the property when they finalize their plans.”

Ward said the tone of Campbell’s email seemed to indicate a willingness to work with the society to save the historical aspects of the building.

“They haven’t told us what their options are, and in reply to this letter I have said that we hope one of their options is the preservation of the building.”

The society made a detailed presentation to CBRM council last month in order to delay demolition to see if it could secure the purchase of the building. The deferred demolition order will be brought before council again June 15.

Last summer the upper floors of the building were extensively damaged in a fire which killed a 58-year-old woman.

A structural analysis of the boarded-up duplex noted the building was structurally unsound and wasn’t worth repairing.

Note: Here is a note from Jenny Pearo to me concerning this house that once belonged to Samual (2) Plant:

Hi George:
Dad and I attended the dedication in the cemetery yesterday.  It was well attended with many people dressing in period costume.  The model of the first Anglican church in Sydney Mines, made by Dave and Tish  Boutilier, has amazing detail – especially the inside with pews, altar and pot belly stove. 
The original church on Shore Road is long gone however; the original rectory is located next to the cemetery and is now a private home.  It was extensively renovated last year however;  maintaines the outside look and charm of the 1800’s. 

The cemetery on Shore Road has many graves of prominent first settlers of both Sydney Mines and North Sydney.  Samuel Plant (2) and his wife are both buried there.  You had a story in your blog a while back about the Plant families.  Samuel (2) was the son of wealthy William and Sarah Plant from England, who settled in Sydney, and was prominent in shipping along the Northside of the harbour.  In the past few weeks there was a story in the Cape Breton Post that a home located in the North end of Sydney, near Cossitt House, was built by William and Sarah Plant and could possibly be the oldest house in Sydney.