Quote:
Originally Posted by 240glt
First, it's only 44 years old. It should be nowhere close to the end of its serviceable lifespan for a structure of that type. It's a very good example of the architecture of the time, so while not a stunning masterpiece it does represent the point in history when buildings of that type were built, and at the time was the tallest in Vancouver. Unlike downtown Edmonton which swims in a sea of ugly buildings of this type in a bland, unattractive landscape that's mostly barren of life, this one is juxtaposed with modern buildings, nice scenery, and vibrant streets, so I don't think that it's offensive at all.
Last, for all the talk of affordability issues in Vancouver, here was a chance for a large scale apartment conversion that could have provided affordable housing for hundreds of people. Fix up the podium level retrofit the rooms and give the outside a fresh coat of paint and it could have served significant purpose well into the future
On a related note, While we were in Vancouver last we stopped into one of our favorite Italian restaurants, Ciao Bella on Demnan for dinner. While walking over we saw a big redevelopment sign on the side of the building. So that place is probably gone soon, to be replaced with another glass tower that will most likely have uninspired and generic tenants on the main floor. It's sad that this keeps happening, some of the things and places that make Vancouver so great are quickly being replaced with things with no character, that most can't afford and in my opinion damage the character of the neighborhoods that made the area so great in the first place.
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It has been explained on here several times why it's being replaced, but those who don't like the idea of the 'landmark' being demolished effectively ignore the reason.
A 44 year-old, and older building is most likely to be "close to the end of its serviceable lifespan". That's because the new building code recognizing seismic issues came into effect in the early 1970s. (
more detail in this article). The Empire Landmark - Sheraton Landmark when it opened - obtained its Building Permit in 1971, and took over two years to complete, opening in 1974. So it was not built to those updated seismic codes - which since then have been strengthened even more. It might have been possible to upgrade the existing structure to meet code, but it's likely that it would have been prohibitively expensive, and not cost effective. A change of use permit triggers a requirement to bring the building up to meet current codes. An additional factor is the fact that the building has a lower density than the towers that will replace it. The replacement will be built to contemporary seismic and energy codes.
You're right about Ciao Bella - it's on the only block of Denman Street that allows residential towers (because it's also on Alberni Street at this location). The rest of Denman doesn't permit tall buildings or residential uses, (to the annoyance of some who visit here), so there should be an opportunity for the restaurant to find a new home nearby, if the owners choose to keep going. There will be a retail unit in
the new building, but obviously the restaurant isn't going to wait until that's available, even if they wanted to stay here. There's a new Italian restaurant just opened only three blocks away called Centro - the relocated Pronto restaurant (which had to close because its Cambie Street location was being redeveloped).
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