Very old West Van home comes with a new lease on life

When Carol Howie and her family decided to sell their 1913 craftsman home on West Vancouver’s Gordon Avenue, they feared the heritage home, known as Vinson House, would be purchased for its lot value and bulldozed. Instead, the home has been given a brand new lease on life.

West Vancouver Heritage Advisory Committee looking for new members

The District of West Vancouver's newly formed Heritage Advisory Committee is looking for members.

According to the District of West Vancouver website, "The Heritage Advisory Committee (HAC) is established as an advisory body to Council and the Director of Planning and Development Services to assist in the processing of heritage applications, identifying and supporting the conservation of structures and landscapes recognized by the District as having significant heritage value and in undertaking education and engagement opportunities related to heritage conservation."

More information and a link to an application form can be found on the District of West Vancouver website. Those interested should apply by March 12, 2018.

 

Heritage Stands the Test of Time: Roberts Residence (c. 1911)

1405 Doran, North Vancouver

Behind a surprisingly simple façade is an incredible, very pure example of how “Heritage Stands the Test of Time." Built on a large lot for English immigrants, the Tudor-style exterior and leaded glass windows must have reminded the owners of the ‘old country’. The interior contains amazingly beautiful built-in cabinets and each room is unique, cozy and still perfectly suited to modern day life. When the current owners moved in, they inherited a landscape plan for the property that included a 300-yard hole for golfers to show their stuff! Their stoop also includes the marks of a bear who tried to gain entry at some point! The owners have offered to host a summer party for our society, so stay-tuned for details!

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Heritage Stands the Test of Time: West Vancouver Municipal Hall (c. 1964)

750 17th Street, West Vancouver

Designed by Toby Russell Buckwell Architects in 1964, the West Vancouver Municipal hall is a lovely example of the modernist style. In 2015, in an effort to consolidate municipal services, funding for an adjoining Police Services Building was approved. In an architecturally seamless way, construction of the new building has now been completed. It is a beautiful example of how “Heritage Stands the Test of Time” and can even be mimicked!

Heritage Stands the Test of Time: Ackerman Residence (c. 1912)

448 East 13th Street, North Vancouver

In the hands of another owner, this house, with its dated interior and rotten front porch, might have been a candidate for demolition. Purchased in 2015 by its current owners, it has since undergone an extensive front porch restoration and an interior facelift. Now once again safe and beautiful, it is proof that “Heritage Stands the Test of Time!"

 

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Heritage Stands the Test of Time: Storybook Home (c. 1938)

1824 Inglewood, West Vancouver 

This unusual “Storybook” home, was built in 1938, as part of a trend influenced by Hollywood movies. Typical of this style is its stucco siding, steeply pitched gable and inset front door. Fondly called “The Little House That Could” by its owner, it is currently being lovingly restored. It is a sight to see and proof that “Heritage Stands the Test of Time.”

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Heritage Stands the Test of Time: The Mitchell House (c. 1965)

3623 Sunnycrest, North Vancouver

This unique home, also known as the Wedge house, was designed by Arthur Erickson in 1965 at the height of the West Coast modern design boom. Finding the home a bit small, the owners added a new section, with a transparent transition element, to ensure that the original home remains distinct and dominant. Through these efforts, once again, “Heritage Stands the Test of Time.”

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