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2008 Top Ten Endangered Sites
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 3003 East 22nd at Nootka
From its position on a prominent rise in this eastside neighbourhood, Firehall 15 commands a view of the city and a special place in the hearts of local residents.
This well-loved community landmark is known for its striking hose tower, complete with brass pole, its Craftsman detail and distinctive bracketed eaves, its handsome interior woodwork and its ornate pressed-metal ceilings.
When talk began some time ago of replacing the 85 year old Firehall #15, local groups and community members banded together and worked tirelessly to convince city council to preserve this city-owned heritage building that is filled with community memories.
Victory for the community came on July 20, 2006. Council voted 10-1 to preserve and restore the firehall on its current site and incorporate it into the new firehall. The celebration was short lived.
In an about-face on March 1, 2007, city council voted 6-4 to demolish the building. The old firehall currently sits in political limbo waiting for a change of heart from one city councilor to breath new life into its deteriorating frame. A 2/3 council majority is required to overturn a previous council decision, and this technicality means that the building cannot be demolished until someone changes their mind.
Heritage Vancouver urges city council to “do the right thing” and restore its own heritage building. This is a great opportunity for the city to become an exemplary heritage role model and a leader in the field of heritage conservation by preserving this community landmark.
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| Summer 2007 ; Firehall #15, front; Heritage Vancouver photo |
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| Summer 2007 ; Firehall #15, front; Heritage Vancouver photo |
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| Summer 2007 ; Firehall #15, side detail, also showing stucco which covers original wood siding; Heritage Vancouver photo |
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| Firehall #15, Detail of the 2nd floor front balcony (now covered in); Don Luxton photo |
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| Firehall #15, Detail of the interior original pressed metal ceiling; Don Luxton photo |
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| Summer 2007; Firehall #15, from rear; Heritage Vancouver photo |
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Summer 2007; Detail of the hose tower. Heritage Vancouver photo |
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