Vancouver City Council |
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
Date: April 1, 2003
Author/Local: Bruce Maitland /7420
RTS No. 3313
CC File No. 1805Council: April 22, 2003
TO:
Vancouver City Council
FROM:
Director of Real Estate Services in consultation with the Directors of the Housing Centre, Heritage and Social Planning
SUBJECT:
Request for Proposals for Occupancy of Watson House located at 1125 Pendrell Street
RECOMMENDATION
THAT Council approve a Request for Proposals for the occupancy of Watson House located at 1125 Pendrell Street, with a report back for Council for approval of tenant and lease terms.
GENERAL MANAGER'S COMMENTS
The General Manager of Corporate Services RECOMMENDS approval of the foregoing.
COUNCIL POLICY
There is no applicable Council policy.
BACKGROUND
In 1987, Council accepted the gift of Watson House, an "A" listed heritage building from the owner. The house was moved to its permanent location at 1125 Pendrell Street in 1989. Since 1989, Watson House has been leased, initially to BC Housing Management Commission, and most recently, directly to the operator for use as a Special Needs Residential Facility for the care and housing of street youths.
PRESENT SITUATION
The street youth operation that was housed in Watson House has relocated to a property owned by BC Housing Management Commission. There has been interest from various groups in leasing Watson House, including the Heritage Foundation and the Mole Hill Community Housing Society (seniors housing). Watson House requires, at a minimum, both interior and exterior painting, re-flooring, and depending on use, interior renovations. Depending on the interior renovations the cost to refurbish Watson House could be in the $50,000 to $150,000 range.
In that there are various groups interested in Watson House, the Directors of Real Estate Services, Social and Heritage Planning and the Housing Centre are recommending that the City issue a Request for Proposal to allow all interested groups an equal opportunity to present their vision for Watson House. The evaluation of the proposals would be based on best value to the City, taking into consideration proposed use, neighbourhood fit, heritage preservation and ability of the proponents to raise the funds necessary to both renovate and operate the building.
CONCLUSION
With the tenant vacating Watson House, and the interest from various groups in occupying Watson House, it is recommended Council direct staff to prepare and distribute a Request for Proposal and report to Council for approval of the new tenant.
LINK TO APPENDIX A (MAP)
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