Vancouver Doesn’t Appreciate Heritage Homes

1750 Nanton Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

The amount of heritage homes that are being destroyed in and around Vancouver, BC is increasing at an alarming rate each year.  Many of the homes which date back to the early 1900s are purchased by people with no intention to ever live in them and then approved by The City Of Vancouver for demolition without hesitation.  Whatever happened to remodelling or expanding a home to suit your needs?  What is happening is disgusting.  The Facebook Page Vancouver Vanishes recently posted a picture of this charming character home in the posh Shaughnessy area of Vancouver.

Their picture noted that the home was built in 1919 and the first owner was a Mr. John McNeely who was also the architect & builder.  It also said that it had been demolished.  In shock I decided to do a little more research on it.  An old tour revealed that the home had been listed at $3,338,000 and was extensively renovated while keeping the original character & charm.  Extensive mouldings, panelling, leaded glass, as well as stained glass windows could been seen throughout.

The listing description said, “Imagine sitting on your private wrap around veranda sipping ice tea on a warm summer afternoon.  Truly an exceptional family home in prime Shaughnessy location.”  Clearly that dream was sold to the wrong buyer.  The listing also mentioned that updates included a new gourmet kitchen, impressive master suite with marble & stone finishes, heated floors, and steam shower.  A little more research  uncovered this development proposal dating back to March 18, 2010.  The proposal says, “To construct a single family dwelling with a detached 3-car garage on this site.”  It was approved.

Architect John Henshaw was hired to design the new home which sits at 1750 Nanton Avenue, Vancouver, BC.  While it may be beautiful it should have never replaced what was originally there.  Scroll down to see the rest of the images showing what the original early 1900s home had to offer.