Comments on: A-frame Maritime Museum by CBK Van Norman

By: MJ

MJ — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 16:23:28 +0000

Ah! Yes. I was wondering if others felt the same way about the structure, and it seems that at least one reader does. I have been following the resident activism (& trying to lend my two cents) and appreciate their work, but have been surprised that people don’t seem that interested in saving the structure itself. Maybe there’s something I don’t know — perhaps it isn’t salvageable.

I also don’t know much about the politics of heritage status designations in this city, but it sounds like mid-20C vernacular architecture isn’t high on Heritage Vancouver’s priority list…

Thanks!

By: LB

LB — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 08:10:01 +0000

In reply to MJ.

And this:
http://1401comox.wordpress.com/community-ideas/

(Posted 19 March 2010)
Reader MPM of the Georgia Straight article on March 11 by Ned Jacobs posted the following important point:
“I’m still amazed that the St Johns church has not been classified a heritage structure. In Vancouver, especially on the west side, we have a few of these classic west coast churches – St Johns being the only one in the downtown core. This is a truly west coast style, one of the few original architectures that we have in Vancouver, yet somehow the heritage council can’t see it. It would be sad for the city and the neighbourhood to lose a classic and beautiful structure like St Johns for just another tower.”

By: LB

LB — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 08:02:38 +0000

In reply to MJ.

Thanks, MJ. Have you seen this?:
http://1401comox.wordpress.com/
I don’t know anything about who designed the church but I’ll see if I can find out.

By: MJ

MJ — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 02:26:28 +0000

Really enjoy your blog, and am glad to see this post — I’d hate to see this building go too. I’m wondering if you know anything about the design history of St. John’s Church at 1401 Comox in the West End? Seems a late version of the cedar modernism you showcase here and elsewhere in the blog. Sadly, it looks like it’ll be demolished to make way for a new highrise. I’d love to see the existing structure renovated, and remain a community oriented space…

By: LB

LB — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 15:49:51 +0000

Yes! Vancouver needs to stop erasing itself every 30 or so years, like some sort of thief covering its tracks. In particular it needs to stop demolishing civic, shared buildings and replacing them with bad architecture that is far more private and commercial in function.

By: ECurrie

ECurrie — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 02:33:44 +0000

Please don’t move the ship! Find another way. They are always moving things in Vancouver, when setting and context are as important to the integrity of the building as the structure itself!
Glad to see this in your collection.