14 — Friday, December 13, 1996 — North Shore News NV City heritag By lan Nobile News Reporter WATCHING the demise of things old is rarely enjoyable. On Lonsdale, between Esplanade and First Strcet, some people are tak- ing the imminent demolition of numerous Lonsdaiz structures harder than others. Some say the buildings to be taken down — only one is designated a her- itage building — lend character to the area and will be sorely missed. Others say that if the buildings are a safety hazard, it’s time to bring them to the ground. However, most of those people would rather sce the low- tise buildings refurbished if possible. Pine Design furniture shop owner Brian Hyland said the planned 51- condo and streetside retail develop- ment will change the area's character. “It’s going to be a big payoff for (the developers) but my concern is you’re going to lose a lot of the char- acter in the neighborhood,” he said. He pointed to the old bank vault that now doubles as his office with nwo-foot thick concrete walls, and the fir floors, high ceilinys and door alcove in his store. “For a building that has been neglected for so long, it is in great shape,” he said. He added that crews are constantly shooting films in the area because of its great character. Paramount Pictures paid Hyland $2,000 a day to shoot a flick in his store. In addition, the area suits his busi- ness perfectly and he said he would pay more than double the $10-a- square-foot he now pays to rent the building. Hyland said he's been look- ing for other places to rent, but rent goes for three to four times what he’s Paying in other areas. He and other merchants in the area that stretches from 51 to 69 Lonsdale have been told they have to vacate by Jan. 31. Businesses in buildings at Esplanade and Lonsdale were cleared THE development proposal from the Syndicate Block at Esplanade to the north along Lonsdale. out earlier this year. Reside Hyland’s more than six- year-old business is the Per Boutique. On the door is the notice, “Door sticks, can’t fix, please pull hard.” The owners, Sophia and Winston Wing, are moving their 12-year-old business to Marine Drive. Like Hyland, they are not happy with having to move from a location their customers know well, but they have reconciled themselves to the idca. Sophia said the old buildings are nice, but because of safety concerns change is need- ed. Although — Winston understood the building his business resides in would one day be torn down, the — building's demise still gave him a jol. “You may have some- one sick and terminal and you are waiting for that person to die but when it does happen it is quite a shock,” he said. It’s not only shopkeepers that will miss the area. Customers lament the passing of the older buildings and the history they represent. Roger Stangle, a cleaning contrac- tor cating at Frankie’s jusr down Lonsdale from Pine Design, said he was recently in the New Orleans French Quarter, where buildings dat- ing back to the 1800s remain. Canadians, he said, don’t have any heritage: “Whatever is old they are rip- ping down.” Name: Graham John Kirk Age: 40 Offence: Impaired driving Call NV RCMP at 985-1311. Student Chris Rippin said it’s dis- gusting that the buildings are coming down. “They are doing that all over North Vancouver,” said the Lynr Valley resident “I prefer the older B buildings. It gives the North Shore a ; little bit of character.” a The character issue looms large for people when discussing the develop- ment on Lonsdale. Some worried that | Sy structures similar to the modern build- : ings gracing Esplanade west ‘of : Lonsdale would be moving onto ‘§ Lonsdale. But city development planner Gary Penway said that’s not the aS i He agreed contem; y buildings would not fit in well with the site and: called the brick, tile and concrete structure now going through the approval process a good solution for I¢ site. 4 The development will include 51 condos, 86 parking stalls, and street side retail at Esplanade and Lonsdale. Ir will retain the existing Syndicate - Block, a heritage building of primary importance. “Name: Sylvain": Lambert Age: 43.0 Offence: Narcotics possessi Call NV RCMP at 985-131 CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC: is pleased to: announce : ‘ ees Dr. Elizabeth Easterling . NEWS photo Paul McGrath formerly of Parkgate Chiropractic Giinic. : oe has joined Dr. james Leigh ... at #300 - 132 E. l4th Street, North Vancouver _ ; a se . - Balanced concentration FLICKA Gymnastic Club member Yuki Sudo, 13, practices on the balance beam earlier this week for today and tomorrow's Sagit Investment Women’s Elite Canada ‘98 gymnastic meet at the Capilano College Sportsplex. Canada’s top gymnasts will be competing for positions on the national team. Junior finals take place tomor- row from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The senior women compete from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Medica! Services Plan © ICAC Patients’ To all the gifts that had the misfortune to be born extremely boring, we offer our deepest regrets. [Raum