Heritage Designation of 2325 East 1st

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

Date: August 23, 2001
Author/Local: T. Brunette/6467

RTS No: 0225

CC File No.

TO:

Vancouver City Council

FROM:

Director of Current Planning

SUBJECT:

Heritage Designation of 2325 E 1^st Avenue - True Colours Program

RECOMMENDATIONS

A. THAT Council approve the designation of 2325 E 1^st Avenue, listed on the Vancouver Heritage Register in the "B" category, as a protected heritage property and the amendment of Heritage By-law No. 4837 to include this property.

B. THAT Council commend the building owners for designating their property on a voluntary basis and for participating in the Vancouver Heritage Foundation's True Colours Program.

GENERAL MANAGER'S COMMENTS

The General Manager of Community Services RECOMMENDS approval of Recommendations A and B.

COUNCIL POLICY

Council policy on heritage designation states, in part, that:

"The City's long term goal is to protect through voluntary designation as many resources on the Vancouver Heritage Register as possible."

PURPOSE

This report seeks Council's approval for the designation of 2325 East 1^st Avenue, listed in the "B" category on the Heritage Register, as a protected heritage property under Schedule A of the Heritage By-law. The building owners are requesting the heritage designation of 2325 East 1^st Avenue on a voluntary basis.

BACKGROUND

Vancouver Heritage Foundation is near completion of its third round of grants for its "True Colours" Program. With paint provided from Benjamin Moore Paints, the Foundation provides a modest monetary grant and expertise to restore the colour scheme of heritage homes true to the period. Designation is a condition of receiving the grant. Of the six houses being painted in 2001, two are covered by Heritage Revitalization Agreement and one owner has begun the designation process. Mrs. Sheila Webster and Ms. Suzi Webster, the owners of this property, are one of the three remaining sets of owners now seeking Council's approval to designate.

DISCUSSION

Heritage Value:

The heritage house at 2325 East 1^st Avenue possesses a high degree of period integrity and fine level of maintenance. Listed in the "B" category of the Vancouver Heritage Register, the house was designed and built by P.W. Mellish in 1919.

The house represents a good example of a later phase of the Craftsman Bungalow in its materials, massing, and detail. The base is clad with horizontal siding and the superstructure clad in cedar shingle. A sweeping gable roof unites the massing of the house with a central and symmetrical dormer reflected in the lesser gable covering the central front stairs. The lesser gable-end on the verandah has been detailed with a decorative "exposed truss" motif, and functions as the Arts & Crafts equivalent of a pediment emphasizing and articulating the front entry. All original windows have been maintained, possess distinctive detail, and reinforce the character and integrity of this heritage resource.

Compatibility with Community Planning Objectives: The house is located in the RS-7S Zoning District. The intent of the RS-7S District Schedule is to maintain the single-family residential character of this district. Heritage Designation of 2325 East 1^st Avenue will ensure that the single-family character of the existing house is retained. This is consistent with community planning objectives as defined in the RS-7S Zoning District Schedule.

Zoning Considerations: The house is currently occupied as a single-family residence with secondary suite which is a permitted use under RS-7S zoning. There is no development permit application for this site.

Condition and Economic Viability: The house is in good condition. The owners have determined the retention of the building in its present use to be economically viable.

Support Required to Enable Conservation: The property owners have submitted a letter (on file with the Law Department) requesting the designation of 2325 East 1^st Avenue and waiving any future compensation demands. Therefore, no additional support to achieve appropriate conservation of this building is required.

The Director of Legal Services has prepared the necessary Heritage By-law amendments and requirements have been met for notification as specified by the Vancouver Charter.

CONCLUSION

The owners of 2325 East 1^st Avenue have proposed the heritage designation of their house on a voluntary basis. Its designation is compatible with community planning objectives and the zoning for the site. Furthermore, the owners' participation in the True Colours Program will help create greater awareness about historic paint schemes in the city. Therefore, it is recommended that Council amend Schedule A of the Heritage By-law to designate 2325 East 1^st Avenue as a Protected Heritage Property.

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TO:	Vancouver City Council
FROM:	Director of Current Planning
SUBJECT:	Heritage Designation of 2325 E 1^st Avenue - True Colours Program