The man trying to save a century–old Saint John dairy building is making an 11th hour pitch to delay its demolition.

A side view from the original, 1920s-era plans for the Purity Ice Cream building on City Road. Cushnie would like to recapture much of the building's original, red brick factory look. (Archives of New Brunswick, Mott Myles and Chatwin collection)

The building was deemed dangerous and dilapidated by city council in August. Demolition has been approved but has yet to take place.

If a three-month extension is granted, Cushnie said he will secure the building, make arrangements for its purchase, and remedy safety issues identified in a compliance order issued in March of this year by city inspectors to the current owners, a company headed by Mostofa Iqbal of Saint John. 

The 90 days would also be used to complete an engineering report and prepare a plan to revitalize the 10,000 square foot building into a commercial hub.

Cushnie said the city wants evidence in advance a purchase and sale agreement has been made for the property.