The O’Neill Automotive Group has started construction on a new facility for its Mount Pearl location, and a local heritage home will be recognized even if it doesn’t survive the changes.

The new facility, covering over 55,000 square feet, will sit on an eight acre site off Topsail Road and will require the removal of one of two heritage properties in Mount Pearl.

McGrath House was built in the late 1890s as a summer retreat for Patrick McGrath.

The City of Mount Pearl approved an application to expand the possible commercial use of its oldest building back in 2015 when it went up on the market.

Nissan says a heritage report on McGrath House found that the cost to refurbish the property would be prohibitive. The building will be honoured with a cafe in the new dealership named “McGrath’s Landing” along with a McGrath House display.

The new automotive facility has been designed in tandem with Nissan in Japan and features a central entry element with a massive custom glass door with suspended ceilings.