ESSPS 4 - Sunday, February 26, 1989 - Lynn Valley Echo Historic Fromme building faces ongoing redevelopment schemes POISED ON the edge of Lynn Valley’s commercial area at the southeast corner of Mountain Highway and Lynn Valley Road is one of the last reminders of the community” s earlier days. Built in 1911, the creaking two- storey wood and stucco Fromme building might set an electrician or fire inspector's head shaking. But it’s also one of the last places where businesses such as the barber shop, antique store, craft shop, electrical repair service, thrift. store and coin collectors store can operate in a relaxed, low pressure atmosphere. Doing business, mostly for the pleasure of doing business is possible when the rents are as low as the $80 per month Bob Vacher pays for his triangle-shaped Lynn Valley Barber Shop. , Surrounded by gas stations and other modern establishments, the Fromme building and three other buildings in the Fromme block are situated on prime land that is con- tinually attracting the eye of pro- spective developers. Most recently, Canada Trust took an interest in the property, prompting longtime owner Ken IIl- ingsworth to send a letter to the ‘tenants warning them of the possi- bility of being given 90 days to vacate should a development per- mit be issued. One of the - businesses, pro- prietors of the Jack and Jill mart in the newer (1950s) Slinn building, has already moved. The other renters, including about 15: resi-, dents living in the upper floors of the two main buildings, are ner- vous and sad about the prospect of having to move...’ : : Although that deal subsequently fell through, another developer is now showing an interest in the ‘property. According to ‘Vacher, there have > been various rumors predicting the sale of the building circulating ever since he opened his barber shop in 1961. But it’s not a case of an unfeel- ing, profit-motivated landlord abusing his tenants. While the Fromme building is of considerable age and significance (it was built by one of Lynn Valley’s most noted pioneers and features the first cement poured in the valley), it is listed in the Heritage Inventory as being of secondary importance. Os Phyllis Drummond, who runs Mount Lynn Antiques out of two corner rooms (originally Charlie Barker’s hardware store), describ- © ed Illingsworth as a ‘‘fine man who keeps the rents low and is most considerate.”* “T hate to see the building go, but the man who owns it has a right to sell it,’”? Drummond says, who has been in the building since 1980. ‘‘1 don’t feel a bit resentful. He's been a wonderful landlord.” While the Fromme building is of considerable age and _ historical significance (it was built by one of _ EXPERT. WORK DONE ON ALL TYPES OF BOAT TOPS, SEATS, CUSHIONS, FLOORS, _ INTERIORS & FRAMES ROSE UPHOLSTERY 1455 HUNTER ST.,.N.VAN. 983-2281 Lynn Valley’s most noted pioneers and features the first cement poured in the valley), it is listed in the Heritage Inventory as being of only secondary importance. The stuccoing of the top floor, a past attempt at modernization, has reduced the attractiveness and authenticity of the original wooden structure. Although Drummond loves the building and is saddened by the development that has sprung up around it, she doubted that the property is worth renovating as a heritage structure. “Still, it’s a shame that Lynn Valley hasn’t kept anything of the past. The valley should sit back and look at itself,’ says Drum- mond. She's not sure if she would carry on her antique business elsewhere, reluctant as she is to work out of a “‘cement’ box’? or pay the high rents on a windowless stall at one of the malls. Vacher also does not resent the changes that are sure to come, but he is uncertain where he could set up his barber shop again. Rents: elsewhere would be at least 10 times what he is currently paying. “If I retire tomorrow, it doesn’t matter,’ says Gunther Mienkina, who took over the Jan’s TV opera- tion (then 10 years old) in the Fromme building some 15 years ago. A restaurant originally operated across the lane out of the younger Slinn building. It was later oc- cupied' by an upholstery . shop, which was run by current owner II- lingsworth, who also lived in one of the second-floor apartments. The current tenants are Ginny Farkas and her Army Surplus store, along’ with Lynn. Valley Rentals, Custom Draperies and Blinds and a doctor's office. “I kaee.1 was taking a chance when J] moved in here six months ago,” commented. Farkas,.a former legal secretary starting her first business. Dr. Dorothy Jantzen, who took over the medical practice in the Slinn building last summer, hopes « that she will be able to find at least a temporary spot in whatever structure may be built on the site in the future. The occupants of the five apartments in the building include former Lynn Valley Community Association president Michael Edwards and his wife (tenants for 12 years) as well as two women or Sah | qt my * CUSTOM WORK All wok conditionally guaranteed 14 YEARS SAME LOCATION AMBLESIDE AUTO REFINISHING 311 MANSFIELD PLACE =.) NORTH VANCOUVER | who have lived there since the °50s: 93-year-old Rachel Floyd and 85- year-old Elsie Johnson. “‘We could find another place, but I don’t know where the other tenants would go,’” says Mrs. Ed- wards. Yvonne Petkovic of Rescan Properties, the company handling the Fromme block for the owner, said that Illingsworth might be in- terested in providing tenants with more security through a lease should the current land deal not proceed. WERE THE PROBLEM SOLVERS * ALL MAKES * ALL MODELS # ICBC CLAIMS 9855721 -NorCu Insurance Services Ltd. | peciscdinioos QuioplaN service PLUS FINAN CING | © Personal Autoplan Ccverages e Competitive interest rate ¢ Minimum down payment & administration fee required NorCu Insurance installments Services Lid. ..~ @ subsidiary of North Shore Credit Union Two locations to serve you 101-1112 Lonsdale ‘ N.Vancouver ” 101-1247 Ross Rd, - N. 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