ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

Date: September 27, 2002
Author/Local: Hugh McLean/7056

RTS No. 2947

CC File No. 1401-49

Public Hearing: October 22, 2002

TO:	Vancouver City Council
FROM:	Director of Current Planning
SUBJECT:	Heritage Designation of 1145 Union Street

RECOMMENDATION

A. THAT Council approve the designation of 1145 Union Street, listed on the Vancouver Heritage Register in the "B" category, as a protected heritage 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 1145 Union Street, 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 1145 Union Street on a voluntary basis as part of the Vancouver Heritage Foundation's True Colours program for 2002.

BACKGROUND

The Vancouver Heritage Foundation is nearing completion of its fourth round of annual grants for its True Colours program. With the assistance of Benjamin Moore Paints and Dunbar Lumber the Foundation is providing owners funding and expertise to restore the authentic colour scheme of heritage homes true to the period. The Foundation has made municipal designation a condition of receiving the grant. One of the recipients has previously designated their house, while the three other recipients, including this one, are now seeking Council approval to designate.

DISCUSSION

Heritage Value: The house at 1145 Union Street is listed in the "B" category on the Vancouver Heritage Register. This one and a half storey wood-frame house makes up a cluster of six relatively intact houses located mid-block on the north side of Union, surrounded by light industrial land uses. Built in 1900, it provides an important point of reference as some of the earliest housing stock in the city.

The house is designed in the decorated pioneer style of the late Victorian era. This is characterized by simple gable end massing with a full width front porch. The front is dominated by a large bay window. The centre window of the bay features decorative v-end muntin work in the upper sash and a vertical band of alternating clear and coloured panes along each side of the lower sash. The house is clad with shiplap siding with rounded decorative shingles in the front gable, elaborate fretwork in the gable and simpler fretwork adorning the square porch posts. The builder of the house is unknown.

Compatibility with Community Planning Objectives: The house is located in the RT-3 Zoning District. The intent of the RT-3 District Schedule is to encourage the retention of neighbourhood and streetscape character, particularly through the retention, renovation and restoration of existing character buildings. Heritage designation of 1145 Union Street supports the intent of this zone. This is consistent with community planning objectives as defined in the RT-3 Zoning District Schedule.

Zoning Considerations: The house is currently occupied as a single-family residence which is permitted under RT-3 zoning. There is no development 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 1145 Union Street and waiving any future compensation demands. Therefore, no additional support to achieve appropriate conservation of this building is required.

Notification: 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

An important long-term heritage policy of the City is to protect heritage resources through designation. The owners of 1145 Union Street have agreed to the heritage designation of this house as a condition of participating in the True Colours program administered by the Vancouver Heritage Foundation. Designation is compatible with the community planning objectives and the zoning for the site. It will also ensure that the house is protected from inappropriate alterations or demolition in the future. Participation in the True Colours program will also heighten community awareness of historic paint schemes. The owners have agreed that the retention of the building is economically viable and have agreed that they will not seek any compensation from the City in the future. Therefore, it is recommended that Council amend Schedule A of the Heritage By-law to designate 1145 Union Street as a Protected Heritage Property.

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(c) 1998 City of Vancouver