A 1922 mansion in Vancouver’s Shaughnessy neighbourhood could be spared from becoming bulldozer bait if a city-ordered inspection deems that it has historical merit.
The home’s current owners applied for a development permit several months ago when they listed the property for $7.3-million, so the incoming buyer could tear it down to make way for their “dream home.”
The 4,592-square-foot English Tudor manor, with an indoor pool and private garden, was built by the same architects that designed city hall, and a public outcry erupted when news emerged that it may be torn down.
That permit application prompted an online group to take aim at City Hall, urging the mayor to stop the home on West 29th Avenue from being razed. Among the most vocal opponents was the Heritage Vancouver Society -- that argued the city has few examples of such fine architecture left.
On Friday, the City of Vancouver announced its director of planning has ordered a heritage inspection on the property, to determine whether it qualifies for conservation.
This is the first time the city has used this new tool, a bylaw which was approved by council last year.
It means the house is temporarily protected, and the owners can’t make any alterations on the property while it’s under the order, which lasts 30 days.
Heritage experts have suggested the home would meet the qualifications: It was actually used as the first home in Western Canada to showcase the wonders of electricity in the home.
“We heard very clearly from the public their concerns regarding the potential loss of the historic ‘Electric House,’” Mayor Gregor Robertson said in a statement issued to media.
“Granting temporary heritage protection to this property is an important first step that gives the City time to properly assess its heritage value and character.”
The heritage consultants will present their findings to city council in a report on May 31.
