Three old homes in downtown Mission would need to be demolished to make way for a proposed five-story apartment building.
A development application for the 56-unit building was brought before council on Tuesday (July 2).
"The intent of the new design would be to design smaller, well-appointed units that would be more affordable to [prospective] 'missing-middle'
buyers," a cover letter to the city from the applicant reads.
All three homes on 2nd Avenue are over 75 years old, including one on Mission’s Heritage Inventory List. The heritage-listed residence on 32980 2nd Avenue was constructed in 1914 and was occupied by Agnes Fabry, widow of the manager of Bellevue Hotel.
Per a staff report, the other two buildings were built “during a similar time period” but are not listed as heritage inventory. To maintain heritage value, the applicant plans to install a plaque on 2nd Avenue showcasing images and history of the buildings proposed for demolition.
The applicant will also provide photos of the buildings to the city and incorporate historical artwork or architectural features into the building lobby, paying homage to the original homes.
Council couldn’t make a decision on the project until a later meeting but was able to ask questions about the potential development. Coun. Angel Elias raised concerns about waste management, parking and the look of the building.
“My concern is the style of the building. I'd like it to have a little bit of a heritage character to it – a little bit more of the form and character to fit the area. I just find it very boxy and modern, and it's just not very appealing,” Elias said.
Coun. Jag Gill asked about the potential for more than one accessible parking stall. He also suggested a QR code that would provide information on the old heritage buildings.
Meanwhile, Coun. Carol Hamilton said she believes the developer is sensitive to the heritage component and willing to work with the city.
“I drove by the location and I mean, they're really three derelict homes there,” Hamilton said.
The project was originally presented to council in December 2023 for first and second readings but was deferred until the applicant held a public information meeting.
The meeting was held on Jan. 23 with concerns emerging around parking, building character and the provision of a bus shelter.
After holding the meeting, the applicant requested the project be brought back for council consideration.