On a visit to Louisiana, I first noticed how much the right door adds to the look of a building, especially a house. A door can connect strangers or attract new customers, newly repainted it will convince a wavering home buyer, sometimes it provi
des hints of the amazing adventures within. Yet, as friend who also works within the heritage 
community noted, so often it’s the last or forgotten part of a renovation. How unfortunate! (The pictures are a few favourites from a poster, Doors of New Orleans.) 
Category: Ideas
The Celtic Shipyards Challenge
At what point is a heritage building or complex no longer worth keeping? It’s a question I’ve been pondering a lot lately, after reading Heritage Vancouver’s annu
al Top 10 Watch List, which includes the Celtic Shipyards (#4 on the list), then speaking with a trades person who worked there recently and noted several serious safety concerns. Of course it’s very possible to restore or rehabilitate these fascinating and historic industrial buildings, but as you can see in these pictures taken last week, it would require a huge financial commitment.
Old ≠ Energy Inefficiency
There is a persistent misconception that heritage buildings are drafty, damp structures that ooze energy out of every leak and crack. Well, perhaps in cartoons, but the reality is quite different. And here’s the proof: the Canada 
Green Building Council and heritage advocates discussing the newly announced Zero Carbon Building Standard, in that context that it is achievable by all buildings. The CaGBC website has lots more info about this program, here:
Heritage and Storytelling – It’s Not Always the Perfect Fairy Tale
We hear a lot about the importance of storytelling these days – to sell a product, introduce a new idea, or attract new customers – and heritage preservation is in so many ways about storytelling, a building has value because of the stories it plays a key part in. However, as I was reminded recently at a spirited lunch discussion, part 
of the challenge is also examining perceptions of how Vancouver has become what it is today, acknowledging the historical facts that may get in the way of what we want to believe, and our willingness to listen, then change or adapt our thinking.
Garbage Collection, Building Code, and Unexpected Challenges
Burnaby, where I live, recently moved to bi-weekly garbage collection, which has made me realize how much of our household garbage is plastics – not a comforting observation for anyone trying to live more sustainably. So what do 
municipal services have in common with heritage? Lots, especially when you discover that oil-based products are key components in the BC building code’s new energy efficiency requirements. I’m glad the code includes allowances for alternate solutions when renovating heritage homes, but since, for many people, retaining heritage character and value is interlinked with sustainability, there are definitely some new challenges in achieving current standards of energy use.
There’s No Place Like Home
What makes a heritage building worth retaining? It’s more than just bricks, wood, and mortar, it’s memories, both past and current, and a sense of emotional connection to the structure and area.
A visit to Kits Neighbourhood House recently, including a fascinating discussion of it’s history in the community, reminded me how critical the feelings of home, comfort, and belonging play in heritage preservation.
Sometimes There is Good News
In the past few weeks, I read three pieces of good news about heritage buildings.
First, the BC courts have upheld Vancouver’s protection of older homes in the First Shaughnessy area. Although the by-law isn’t perfect, I strongly believe in being more pro-active to save our heritage buildings, and this is one way of doing so.
And, a LinkedIn post described how older industrial buildings are being converted to funky office spaces, making the business case that it’s a wise move for building owners. The article cites buildings in New York and Chicago as examples, and I’m sure there are lots more. (Here’s where you can read more: http://tinyurl.com/jbmab8a)
Lastly, the City of Kelowna transferred a local heritage site, St. Aiden’s Church on Rutland Road, to an organization that 
will restore the building and site, so it will be used regularly by the neighbouring community members. It isn’t a large church, nor is it on a big plot of land, but this action too says our history is worth keeping.
Like Minds, But Not-So-Changing Times
I picked up a copy of Vancouver Vanishes recently, what a great read! Some of the buildings mentioned are familiar, others too late to know. The book is both discouraging and uplifting, with loving tales of home ownership and interesting people, plus John Atkin’s essay “Demolition: It Happens” puts some interesting historical context into today’s events. It’s troubling to think Vancouver’s demolition habit hasn’t changed much in the past 100 years.
Love of Heritage – Where Does It Begin?
I do contract work in post-secondary education, and have the opportunity to meet some bright, articulate, and interesting students. Many have a clear sense of direction and purpose, which was established several years before they started college or university. Which brings me to wonder if the love of, and appreciation 
for, heritage structures begins much earlier in life? We spend much of our time trying to convince grown-ups how important this is, often with little success, so perhaps we need to divert some energies to speaking with younger people in primary and secondary schools.
Empty Homes
A 1919 Vancouver Sun article was titled, “A City’s Soul Lies in Its Homes,” and the many empty homes we see in our neighbourhoods today remind me that’s so true. It’s difficult to describe “soul” – it often has a fuzzy, non-quantifiable feeling about it, one that more practical people dismiss. Miriam-Webster’s dictionary describes it in part as “the ability of a person to feel kindness and sympathy for others,” and perhaps it’s that lack of consideration for our fellow Vancouverites that’s most bothersome. Fortunately on my street, two of the homes recently sold to developers will have tenants for some time, but sadly one Vancouver Special has sat empty and deserted for several months.
