Heritage Vancouver invites you to attend an Open House Monday evening hosted by the applicant Bing Thom Architects to give your input into the proposed demolition of the Legg Residence. This is your chance to send a clear message to Vancouver City Council that you strongly oppose the first demolition of an “A” Heritage Building in the City of Vancouver since the Georgia Medical Dental Building in 1989. Following the public outcry that surrounded the dramatic demolition of the Georgia Medical Dental Building, City Council introduced a policy to prevent the future demolition of “A”-listed heritage buildings.
“Council has instructed that prior to consideration of a proposal that includes demolition of an “A” listed building, a formal independent consultant’s report on the physical condition and economic viability of retaining the building be reviewed by the Director of Planning. The report is at the expense of the applicant.” Council reaffirmed this policy on April 18, 1991.
We urge you to ask City Council if they followed their own policy in the case of the Legg Residence: mayorandcouncil@vancouver.ca
Heritage Vancouver does not believe that the current application respects the intent of the motion passed by Council on May 31st, 2011.
“That staff be directed to consider further options for the Heritage Designation and Heritage Agreement at 1245 Harwood Street which might include the retention of the large tree shared with the neighbour, given the expressed willingness of the adjacent owner to cooperate in its retention”
The Development Permit Board – not City Council – will decide on December 12th whether this “A”-listed mansion can be demolished. To view the application and leave your comments (before November 11) visit the City of Vancouver’s website for 1241 Harwood (link also below). You may also contact Scott Barker, Project Facilitator at 604 873 7166 or scottbarker@vancouver.ca
We also urge you to ask City Council why staff not council is making the decision to demolish or save the Legg Residence: mayorandcouncil@vancouver.ca
Although this application does not require Vancouver City Council’s approval, City Council has the power to stop the demolition of this “A” Heritage Mansion — the question is “Do they have the will”? … and “Do they care?”
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Resources:
> Our previous Legg Residence e-bulletin (Oct 11, 2011)
> Our letter to Vancouver City Council & Staff (Oct 6, 2011) (PDF)
> Press Release (Oct 11, 2011) (PDF)
> Top 10 Endangered Site entry for the Legg Residence
> Additional photos on our Flickr stream
> New Development Application Details (City)
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What is an A-listed heritage property?
The categories “A”, “B” or “C” within the Vancouver Heritage Register, are general classifications and are based on any combination of historic, architectural, cultural, spiritual, scientific or social values. An “A” rating is the top-rated classification, defined as “Primary Significance” and represents the best examples of a style or type of building, and may be associated with a person or event of significance.
Detailed info on the Vancouver Register can be viewed on the City’s website:
vancouver.ca/commsvcs/planning/heritage/Fact2.htm
