redevelopment of York House at Number Two Front Street.

John Bluck received in principle planning permission in June to refurbish the two-storey Bluck's building at Number Four Front Street and re-develop the York House building adjoining it.

Sole leasing agent for York House, Bermuda Realty Co. Ltd. said the redevelopment would soon begin, creating four floors above ground level and 20,000 square feet of prime office accommodation, with impressive views of Hamilton Harbour from the upper most floors.

Bermuda Realty said in a statement yesterday: "As this proposed development will be highly visible upon entering the city from the west, the current owners felt it was important to retain as much of the original structure, which dates back to the mid-1800's, and to design a development scheme which would complement and enhance the Bermudian architecture of the surrounding waterfront property.

"The flat roof addition to the west, which was originally constructed during the 1930's, will be demolished to make way for the scheme.

"Like most older property in the city, the building has been utilised for a number of uses.

"At the turn of the century, the rear of the building was used as a boat house by seafarers who would row ashore and beach their boats on what is now Barr's Bay Park in order to replenish their provisions.

"Further changes occurred in the 1930s when John Bluck III moved into the original structure and used it as his principle residence.

"As the economy began to change in the 1940s and 1950s, the western most part of the building was occupied by a number of commercial users, including Lady Mortimer, proprietor of Betty's Beauty Parlour and Dr. Ashdown who administered his medical practice from the building. The last notable change occurred in 1952 when Bluck's China moved into the premises and have maintained a presence on this corner ever since.'' Bermuda Realty added the building would continue to provide suitable commercial accommodation to service a "continually evolving economy.'' AMBITIOUS SCHEME -- The proposed new city office block REAL ESTATE RE