District of West Vancouver council has halted the demolition of an 88-year-old heritage home on the West Bay waterfront, at least temporarily.
The owners of the Rockhaven House, at 3612 Marine Dr., have applied for a demolition permit for the home but council voted unanimously Monday to issue a 60-day stay and have asked staff to meet with the owner to discuss potentially saving the home.
The home was built in 1929 by a local railway contractor who also owned Rockhaven Kennels, according to a district staff report. The district considers it a secondary heritage resource thanks to its character-defining shingle siding, leaded glasses windows and prominent chimney. It is considered a good example of the eclectic style of architecture from the period between the first and second world wars, the staff report concludes.
In a real-estate listing posted online in April 2013, the property is described as “the gold standard of building sites -– 28,000 sq. ft. with 275’ along the water – a private villa, family compound or a possible three-home site for a buyer with vision.”
According to its assessment roll report, the property was bought and sold three times between July and November 2013, going from $5.4 million to $9 million.
In 2016, it was assessed at $13.5 million.
Typically, when the district attempts to save a heritage home, it proposes to create a heritage revitalization agreement, which allows the owner of the property some extra density or a second home to be built on the site in exchange for permanent protection of the original home.
Council has become more proactive when it comes to retaining character homes in recent years. The district has struck similar agreements for 1913 Vinson House, at 1425 Gordon Ave., and the 1964 Sykes Residence, at 5616 Westport Pl.
“I just thank staff for being on top of this. You’ve done this several times now and this is really helpful to us on council and to the community, in my opinion,” said Coun. Nora Gambioli before casting her vote.
The temporary stay on demolition has the support of the North Shore Heritage Preservation Society.
“It’s obviously got a lot of charm at a lovely location. It would be very sad to see it demolished and we at the North Shore Heritage Preservation Society would really encourage the district planners to create an HRA proposal for it,” said Peter Miller, society president.
The home’s character is best seen while driving east along Marine Drive.
“It is an iconic view as you come around the bend. You see this black and red shuttered house down on the waterside. It’s got visual identity. If it went, you’d drive along that route and wonder ‘Where’s that lovely little house I used to notice?’” Miller said.
Miller said he commends the district for taking a proactive stance when it comes to heritage.
The district now has until April 14 to come to another arrangement with the owner. If one can’t be reached, staff must issue the demolition permit.
