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Vancouver Heritage Foundation Weekly: Mobile Conservation - Relocating Heritage Houses

Vancouver Heritage Foundation is a registered charity supporting the conservation of heritage buildings and structures in recognition of their contribution to the city’s economy, sustainability and culture.

Vancouver Heritage Foundation is a registered charity supporting the conservation of heritage buildings and structures in recognition of their contribution to the city’s economy, sustainability and culture.

2014 House Move

Often the last resort in saving a heritage building, relocating heritage structures is one conservation method that secures a future for a heritage building, albeit in a different location. It keeps historic building materials out of the landfill and often the homes are refurbished and restored in their new location, giving them a chance at another 100 years. Of the many landmark buildings in Vancouver that have been moved, the legendary Trader Vic's was once located near the Bayshore Inn in Coal Harbour (1961-1996). It was part of the mid-century fascination with Tiki, franchised from the tiki-themed saloon of Vic Bergeron, via Oakland, California. When Vancouver's Trader Vic's closed in 1996, the building was later transported via barge by none other than BC's own Nickel Bros. to a new location near the Butchart Gardens on Vancouver Island. The building is 12 x 44 metres and weighed an estimated 140 tons, making for a rather challenging move. Take a look at some great photos of the move here.

If you'd like to learn more about the complex process of relocating homes as part of a conservation strategy, VHF is presenting a Brown Bag Lunch & Learn this Wednesday March 25th from 12-1:30pm. House movers Nickel Bros. will present on aspects of moving a heritage home including engineering, costs and logistics. They will also explore the economic forces driving the decision to move a home and share their experiences including moving homes to the Gulf Islands and beyond.

BCIT Downtown, 555 Seymour St, Room 481 (check lobby for last minute room changes).  Walk ups welcome.

$15 or $9 with valid student ID (inc. tax)

Register Here

or call 604 264 9642 for more information

This lecture with Q&A is eligible for professional credits. Please contact VHF for more information.