Cheryl Rossi
Van. Courier
A historic Kitsilano building will be demolished in the next three to six months unless city staff can find it another home.
Although the city, its Heritage Commission and the developer debated options to retain the structure — known as the home of the beloved but defunct Black Swan Records at Fourth and Bayswater, they could not reach an agreement to preserve it at that location.
Staff recommended city council allow the developer, Orca West Developments, to proceed with the regular development permit process. Council voted Jan. 19 unanimously in favour of doing so.
As a result, Leo Cooper, his two roommates and the young family across the hall will be looking for new homes.
Cooper has occupied one of the building’s second floor apartments for eight years and has lived in the neighbourhood for 25.
“A great swath of Fourth Avenue has been sterilized and economically cleansed of the young families, students, seniors, writers, actors, artists and especially many of the small business entrepreneurs who gave life to this funky part of town,” he told city council at the Jan. 19 meeting.
Cooper argued the developer should be permitted to build a taller building on the site, complete with lower priced units, so the historical building at 2936 West Fourth Ave. could be retained. “A high-rise is perfectly acceptable as long as it’s affordable for some people,” he said.
City staff will look into relocating the building or its facade.
© The Vancouver Sun 2006