Christina Montgomery
Province
Vancouver city council struck a blow yesterday for EcoDensity — and preservation of a historic city mansion — with approval of 16 townhouse units on the edge of Shaughnessy.
The townhouses would allow the developer to make enough money to preserve a heritage mansion known as the Nichol House, which sits at one end of the massive lot. The new housing would fit into a wooded area near the Granville Street side of the site, and offer homes on a shop-filled strip of Granville that is served by transit and close to downtown.
The plan drew a furious response from many in the area, who jammed council meetings for four nights, citing everything from a loss of trees, view and peace of mind to fears of a disturbing precedent in the quiet neighbourhood of large, single-family homes.
The house at issue is the Nichol, an A-listed estate on the city’s heritage register. Built in 1912, the Arts and Crafts/Tudor revival home is considered important because it housed three prominent families before its sale to the developer in 2005, and because of its unique style, condition and gardens.
Although listed, the house is not yet “designated” and not legally protected from demolition. Under yesterday’s approval, developer Brian Bell will agree to allow designation of the house that will remain attached to it and prevent future demolition.