The historic Ford Block built in 1894 is the only example left in Sackville of a three-storey, wooden, late 19th century commercial bldg

The 132-year-old Main Street building that houses Goya’s Pizza and Chirps Bar along with several other small businesses and apartments has been sold to AIL CEO Mike Wilson for $1.4 million.

Property records show that he bought it on March 31st through his company Right Coast Realty (Sackville) Limited.

Wilson said through a spokesman that he did not want to comment on any plans he might have for the building, known as the Ford Block, when Warktimes tried to reach him today.

Warktimes has learned that both Wilson and Sackville developer John Lafford were seen wearing white hard hats as they inspected the building in late August or early September last year.

The two are partners in the nearby seven-storey, residential/commercial building that is currently under construction on nearby York Street.

Mike Wilson (L) & John Lafford appeared at town hall in 2024 seeking the lifting of downtown height restrictions on their York St bldg. Photo: Erica Butler

So far, John Lafford has not responded to an e-mail request for comment.

Although it’s not known if the two intend to be partners in any project involving the Ford Block, property records show that JN Lafford Realty Inc. owns the adjacent building that houses the Corner Drug Store and Platinum Realty.

Sackville repealed its heritage conservation bylaw in 2018 allowing downtown property owners to demolish or alter the look of downtown buildings without having to apply for a special permit.

Ford Block history

According to Tantramar Heritage Trust, George E. Ford built the block as a department store in 1894 with three main sections, one for groceries, another for clothing and a third for hardware and furniture. It also had a tailor shop, several display rooms and by 1902, there were 25 full-time employees.

The late historian Bill Hamilton writes that there were office suites on the upper floors and a public hall that was the site of the historic meeting that approved the incorporation of Sackville as a town on January 12, 1903.

“For a number of years following,” Hamilton writes, “the regular Town Council meetings were held in this building.”

He also points out that the Ford Block appears in a 1959 painting entitled “Milk Truck” by Alex Colville. The painting shows a Stedmans and a Simpsons on the building’s main floor.

Hamilton writes in terms of history and architecture, the Ford Block is an important part of Sackville’s heritage:

One testament to the skill of its builders and later renovators is that the exterior is essentially the same as that depicted in a photograph taken in 1894. Further, the classic architectural lines that attracted Alex Colville in 1959 have not been unduly desecrated by modernization. There is an important lesson here for all who may be interested in architectural preservation.

It is quite possible for structurally sound buildings to retain the essentials of their external facade while permitting interior remodeling to meet contemporary needs.

Hamilton’s piece appeared in the Sackville Tribune-Post in 2001, the year a plaque marking the building’s long history was attached to one of its entrances. To read his article, click here.

For further information from Tantramar Heritage Trust, click here.