7. Firehall No. 15 (1913) (again) [saved]

Firehall No.15 is the last remaining of its kind still in use — Firehall No.13 was demolished in 2002.

The hose towers and distinctive bracketed eaves of these Craftsman-influenced structures were once familiar landmarks in neighbourhoods across the city.

Built around 1913, Firehall No.15 features extensive interior woodwork, ornate pressed-metal ceilings, and its original brass pole.

As a new firehall could be located on adjacent City land, the existing firehall could be re-used if an appropriate community function can be found. Architectural drawings are being prepared as we speak, so this is our last chance to save a community landmark.

Updates

Updated May 19, 2006: Council is now considering options for a replacement hall, and Firehall #15 is now under serious threat of being demolished. HV has sent a new letter to city hall.

Updated August 3, 2006: On July 20, 2006, Vancouver City Council approved the retension of the firehall on the current site, for incorporation/attachment to a new fire hall facility, and funds will be allocated for a full restoration of the building.

Updated February 26, 2007: In a sudden backtrack of last year’s vote to save the firehall, city hall is once again voting on it’s fate, on Thursday, March 1. The internal recommendations are to demolish the building, and build new. As of Wednesday evening, the online petition to save the building has received 361 signatures in favour of retention. We await the decision…again.

Updated May 9, 2009: Council has approved retention of one of Vancouver’s last Edwardian-era firehalls. Despite our support of this initiative, we wish to express grave concerns about the potential approach to this restoration as described in the Staff Report. The description of the exterior work indicates a serious disregard of Heritage Standards & Guidelines, specifically the destruction of exterior features and their replication through the application of a new rain screen façade. It is too early in the project to make sweeping decisions about the approach to restoration. We strongly suggest that before any decisions are made, that there be sufficient investigation of the condition of exterior materials, and that every effort be made to retain, rather than replace, the historic exterior fabric.

Updated May 12, 2012: Success! After appearing on our Top 10 Endangered Sites list for five times over the last dozen years, starting in 2001, the grand old lady Firehall #15 has a full new lease on life, restored, looking better than original (if possible!), and incorporated into a new firehall. It’s grand re-opening was held May 12, 2012, just shy of its 100th year birthday.