Located on the comer of George and Adelaide Streets in St. John's, the traditional architecture of Holdsworth Court is an attractive terminus for the George Street Development Area. This complex actually involved three buildings: the "Silvers' Building" at 342-346 Water Street; and Numbers 2 and 4 Holdsworth Street, which are commonly known as the "Fanning Properties".

Historically, all three buildings are of great significance. The Silvers' Building, the main building in the development, is believed to be based on the structure of three timber buildings, which occupied the site in 1847 and which were resurfaced in masonry in the late 19th. century. A hardware store was operated at this site by George Gear in the mid- to late- 1800's and the building has played host to a number of other commercial activities, including a machine shop. Most recently, the building was owned and operated as a jewellery store by the Silvers family.

Number two Holdsworth Street is a cut-stone building which is believed to have been constructed just following the 1846 fire. The building was a blacksmith's shop operated by one Adam McLarty in the mid-1800's and originally had storage and dwelling space on its upper floors. Number four Holdsworth Street operated as a warehouse and a tailor shop for much of the past century.

Design and construction work on this impressive development was undertaken by Combined Appraisers/Craftsman Homes Ltd., under the guidance of George Kirkland and Robert Sullivan. Exterior resurfacing and repointing was completed by Hytec Ltd., while landscaping was undertaken by Holland Nurseries. Landscaping design is by Fred Harm, with the project financing supplied by Royal Trust.

The project began about two years ago with the acquisition of the Silvers' Building and since that time, has evolved into an ambitious project, involving the re-development of most of the block. All three buildings required major renovation, but when complete, they will yield a total of 11,000 sq. ft. of prime commercial and retail space.

As part of the development, Holdsworth Street on the west exposure, has been leased from the City for off-street parking. With the assistance of the City, the taxi stand which once habited the comer of George and Adelaide Streets has been also relocated and this area has been integrated into a new north-facing courtyard.

Today, these properties, like the Byrne Building on Water Street west (which is also under restoration by Mr. Kirkland) provide excellent examples of effective and viable commercial restorations which recognize the rich history of our City.