East Van Polka Dot House
About
In mid November, neighbours confirmed that the polka dot house at the corner of East 3rd and Lakewood would be torn down after a home builder’s sign had been put up outside. With red polka dots painted on the white exterior, this house has an endearing presence in this East Van neighbourhood.
Local Historian Eve Lazarus wrote about the house in 2013, revealing that notable local chef Chuck Currie moved into the house in 1989 and had the house painted with the dots because he liked the idea. Several news stories recount how passersby and neighbours have interacted with the house, providing examples of the joy it has brought. After 35 years, Currie sold the house in 2023 to a family who are having a Net Zero house built on the site.
It has been reported that the wood paneling from the house will be repurposed in the new house, and that there is a promise by the new owners to pay tribute to the polka dot house by putting up a tiny library with red and white polka-dots outside the new house. Currie loves books.
Why on Top10
The Polka Dot House is not a recognized heritage house based on City heritage criteria. It is a good example of a “regular” house or place that people feel a strong connection to and impacts their daily lives in (what may be considered small) but important ways that are a part of the identity that places have for people.
There’s a special feeling when you see a sign in front of a house or building in the neighbourhood that you have formed an attachment to, knowing that it will be coming down. That feeling is a part of the loving of things and the forming of attachments to things that have meaning to you -sometimes a meaning that is there for you and not someone else. 35 years later, this particular owner with this particular interest in their neighbourhood, moved on and now those who have come attached to the house have to say goodbye and are left with memories.
This ephemeral and emotional part of life is very much a part of heritage. This is not often discussed because heritage is known for keeping things and fighting to keep things and to keep them in certain ways. We feel it is important to constantly keep in mind that heritage is extremely emotional. Heritage is about life. We become attached to something (or someone) and in many cases, have to deal with loss at some point.
Additional Information:
https://www.straight.com/city-culture/is-this-farewell-to-east-vans-iconic-red-polka-dot-house
https://bc.ctvnews.ca/east-vancouver-bids-farewell-to-its-iconic-polka-dot-property-1.7113208
We acknowledge the financial assistance of the Province of British Columbia
