In May of 2025, the York County Jail at 668 Brunswick Street in Fredericton went up for rent after it was bought by a new owner in March. The building which is better known today for housing Science East, an educational not-for-profit, was built in 1842 and served as a provincial prison for over 150 years. Because of its unique construction—made of granite quarried from the Fredericton area—and long history, the building is a provincially designated Heritage Place, meaning any new renter would have to comply with certain restrictions meant to preserve its character defining details. Jennifer MacDonnell, the Executive Director of Science East, noted that working out of a Historic Place is not necessarily a challenge, but certainly involves added responsibility. Peter Pacey, an advisor for the Fredericton Heritage Trust, explained why it is important to preserve buildings like the York County Jail and what they can contribute to the Fredericton community today. I reached out for a comment from the new owner, but did not receive a response in time for publication
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