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CITY OF VANCOUVER ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT |
Date: |
January 20, 2005 | |
Author: |
Hugh McLean | |
Phone No.: |
7056 | |
RTS No.: |
4293 | |
CC File No.: |
1401-78 | |
Meeting Date: |
February 15, 2005 |
TO: |
Vancouver City Council |
FROM: |
Director of Current Planning |
SUBJECT: |
Heritage Designation - Dodek House, 6821 Laurel Street |
RECOMMENDATION
A. THAT Council approve the designation of the Dodek House at 6821 Laurel Street, listed on the Vancouver Heritage Register in the "A" category, as Protected Heritage Property, including the interior fireplace as described in detail in the Administrative Report dated January 20, 2005.
B. THAT the Director of Legal Services bring forth the by-law to designate the exterior of the Dodek House and the interior fireplace as Protected Heritage Property as described in detail in this report entitled "Heritage Designation - Dodek House, 6821 Laurel Street".
C. THAT Council commend the owners for volunteering to have their property protected by heritage designation.
GENERAL MANAGER'S COMMENTS
The General Manager of Community Services RECOMMENDS approval of Recommendations A, B and C.
COUNCIL POLICY
Heritage Policies and Guidelines state, 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 approval for the designation of the Dodek House at 6821 Laurel Street, listed in the "A" category on the Vancouver Heritage Register, as Protected Heritage Property under the Vancouver Charter. The proposed heritage designation includes the fireplace. The owners are seeking heritage designation on a voluntary basis.
BACKGROUND
The house at 6821 Laurel Street was included in the Recent Landmarks Program initiated in 1990, which examined and rated post-1940 buildings of heritage merit. It was added to the Vancouver Heritage Register on January 18, 2005 as a result of a nomination request received from the owners. It is considered an excellent example of the West Coast Modern style. The owners were also interested in the possibility of heritage protection of their house. City staff reviewed this further with the owners, including the possibility of heritage designation of certain significant interior features. The owners were informed of the implications of heritage designation, and subsequently agreed to heritage protection of this property.
DISCUSSION
Heritage Value: The house at 6821 Laurel Street, identified as the Dodek House, is listed in the "A" category on the Vancouver Heritage Register (Site Map, Appendix A), (Photographs, Appendix B). This two storey wood frame house has both architectural and historical significance. The present owners purchased the lot in 1957 and commissioned Ron Thom to design a house. The house was completed the following year. In 1967, a compatible extension was made to the rear which created an enclosed courtyard.
Ron Thom is considered one of the most prominent west coast architects of the modern era. The house has a strong relationship with its exterior by way of large windows facing the courtyard, it features wide roof overhangs, and has an emphasis on natural materials throughout. The fireplace in the living room is the showpiece of an intact interior, and is a trademark feature of this architect. In recognition of this, the owners have requested heritage designation protection for both the exterior and the fireplace.
Compatibility with Community Planning Objectives: The house is located in the RS-1 Zoning District. Heritage designation of 6821 Laurel Street supports the general intent of the RS-1 District Schedule to maintain the single family residential character.
Zoning Considerations: The house is currently occupied as a single family residence. This is permitted under RS-1 zoning. There is no development application for this site.
CONCLUSION
An important long-term heritage policy of the City is to protect heritage resources through voluntary designation. The owners of 6821 Laurel Street have voluntarily agreed to the heritage designation of this house in recognition of its heritage significance. Designation will protect this heritage house from inappropriate alterations and demolition in the future. The fireplace, the most prominent interior feature, will also be protected. It is therefore recommended that Council designate 6821 Laurel Street as Protected Heritage Property.
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