Politicians have given their approval to demolish a more than 150-year-old farmhouse in Hyde Park in order to build apartments, going against a city staff recommendation.

Council voted 10-5 both to deny heritage designation for the historic 1872 building at 1269 Hyde Park Rd., most recently home to Crossings Pub and Grill, and to approve a development application proposing two 15-storey apartment buildings with 503 units plus a two-storey restaurant building.

“I certainly understand the desire for development in this area, I certainly know the character and history of the (building),” said Mayor Josh Morgan, a former neighbouring Ward 7 councillor.

“If (the developer wants) to draw the public in though, it’s my strong encouragement that you . . . preserve some of the components of the b

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