Memories Mean Everything, Part Two

To say that heritage buildings and sites evoke a mixture of emotions is an understatement.  But it’s the hidden emotions that I find most intriguing.

For example, on the surface Eric Pierce’s gift of his home to the City of Vancouver so it could be preserved seems like a wonderful acknowledgement of his late wife’s dedication to heritage conservation.  However, when reporters read more, it was apparently motivated by horrific memories of destruction in WW2, and the unspoken comfort he later found at home . It makes me wonder how many other backstories exist, that are too painful to share except in quiet deed.

Heritage Is For Everyone

Heritage events sometimes leave the impression it’s an old folks game – the people involved are often older adults, who, some may say, are simply clinging to the past rather than embracing the future. So I was thrilled to read about Melody Ma, a Chinese-Canadian Woman, who is the face of #SaveChinatownYVR, spurred by her realization that places she grew up with and loved, were disappearing quickly, so someone, such as herself, needed to speak up.  To me, that’s the real value of heritage buildings and sites: they make us feel connected to, and part of, a continuing community, in a very special, irreplaceable, way.

 

A Cautionary Tale About Repurposing a Heritage Building

When working in North Vancouver recently I was drawn to the empty storefront at 177 West First Street.  I researched a bit, and discovered a common tale: a heritage building with a rich history – in this case, the BC Telephone Building erected in 1926, which was later occupied by the charming Bella Doni flower shop, and now, in part due to it’s heritage status, to be preserved and incorporated into a new development. In theory it’s a great idea,  but as often happens, the process has sadly left many people dissatisfied — a popular business has closed, and all that’s left is the memory of angry words plus a neighbourhood whose character has changed, probably for the worse.

For more info, read Donald Luxton and Associates’ 2013 report on the building to the City of North Vancouver,

cnv.org/~/media/A2C733727A2940608E58DFEC71E7DE39.pdf

And, the North Shore News report of the council meeting that approved the development,

http://www.nsnews.com/news/six-more-storeys-for-lower-lonsdale-1.859547

The Grand Tour – or Two

Casa Mia driveway
At the grand entrance to Casa Mia

There are so many wonderful house tours every year in the lower mainland – from stylish new townhomes, to thoughtfully renovated Vancouver specials to lovingly restored heritage homes, I never tire of seeing different ways of approaching common problems: narrow hallways, an awkward kitchen layout,drafty bedrooms, how to accommodate multi-generational families – someone has an solution!  Plus, the interaction with owners and knowledgeable hosts means tours are way better than a magazine, even on a rainy day! And occasionally, a tour a includes a gem like Casa Mia!

The Magic of Doors

On a visit to Louisiana, I first noticed how much the right door adds to the look of a building, especially a house.  A door can connect strangers or attract new customers,  newly repainted it will convince a wavering home buyer, sometimes it provides hints of the amazing adventures within.  Yet, as friend who also works within the heritage community noted, so often it’s the last or forgotten part of a renovation.  How unfortunate!  (The pictures are a few favourites from a poster, Doors of New Orleans.)

Congratulations New Westminster!

I’m excited about the future of heritage buildings in the lower mainland, with the news that New West has also created a Heritage Conservation Area (HCA), in Queen’s Park.  As I walked down a few of the streets in the area recently , I was reminded of Mayor Cote’s comment : “It is not any one individual home that makes that neighbourhood what it is. It is the collection of homes that have been able to last as long as they have and to receive the love and attention from the neighbourhood.”  There is certainly lots to love here!

 

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The Celtic Shipyards Challenge

At what point is a heritage building or complex no longer worth keeping? It’s a question I’ve been pondering a lot lately, after reading Heritage Vancouver’s annual Top 10 Watch List, which includes the Celtic Shipyards (#4 on the list), then speaking with a trades person who worked there recently and noted several serious safety concerns. Of course it’s very possible to restore or rehabilitate these fascinating and historic industrial buildings, but as you can see in these pictures taken last week, it would require a huge financial commitment.

Old ≠ Energy Inefficiency

There is a persistent misconception that heritage buildings are drafty, damp structures that ooze energy out of every leak and crack.  Well, perhaps in cartoons, but the reality is quite different. And here’s the proof: the Canada Green Building Council and heritage advocates discussing the newly announced Zero Carbon Building Standard, in that context that it is achievable by all buildings.  The CaGBC website has lots more info about this program, here:

http://www.cagbc.org/zerocarbon