Some Old Houses Near Dunbar Street

Many of the oldest houses in the Dunbar area were built in the first few blocks next to Dunbar Street. Three of them were derelict and have recently been demolished. The first one, built in 1915, sat at 3641 West 27th Avenue. The exterior details of this house had not been modified over the years; it is interesting to see the original character because many houses of this era have had their porches enclosed along with other changes, such as replacement windows. Note the lovely window in the front door. In recent months, the roof was covered by canvas, and the house was looking sadder by the minute. It was torn down January 13, 14, or 15, 2014.

These two sat next to each other just east of Dunbar Street on West 39th. This first one was on the corner, at 3593; the second, at 3583. According to the BC Assessment website, both were built in 1925. By the time I got these photos on a rainy February 22, they were prepared for demolition, so it is difficult to see their character. They were demolished in early March 2014. But thanks to Vancouver Vanishes, there is a better photo of 3593.

PS on November 22, 2014: a viewer of this blog sent me images from Google streetview of 2009 of the above two houses. Here they are, with all their heritage charm:

 
This one, in better condition, at 3475 West 22nd was built in 1924. The camellia was blooming in late March 2011, but it won't be blooming in 2014, since I doubt it was transplanted as it was still there on February 28. The house was torn down early March 2014.

Another One on West 38th Avenue

This blog already laments 8 demolitions on West 38th Avenue. Here is another one. The big snow of the year had not yet melted when this photo was taken on February 26. The house was torn down in early March 2014. It was a modest house at 3853 West 38th Avenue.

Two Unique Houses on West 29th Avenue

Christmas of 2012, this house had snowflakes in the large front window and many original character features. However, it became a construction site in 2013. The picturesque fence, the arched gate, and the snowflakes are gone forever from 3477 West 29th Avenue.

Not far from Dunbar Street stood this split-level  house built  in 1964. It likely replaced a 1920's house. This house is an unusual style for the Dunbar area. It was torn down during the first week of March 2014.

A Walk in the Snow

The snow was melting on February 26 when I decided to go on a surveillance walk. Here is what I found.

This is the view from the lane, where I had a chat with a neighbour about the various people who lived in the house:

Exactly two years ago, there was no snow but there was this house:

It came to my attention in December 2010 when I took my first photo of it:

The demolition at 4011 West 38th Avenue took place mid-February 2014.

I also encountered this scene:

Just 15 days ago, there was a house there.

Again, this one came to my attention in December 2010, back before I created this website. Little did I know that over 3 years later, I would still be involved with all this tracking.

The demolition of this unusual house at 3821 West 35th Avenue took place mid-February 2014.

This house at 3741 West 37th Avenue was being prepared in November 2013 for demolition.

This is the LAST photo of the whole house (just prior to beginning the demolition).

Note the little dormer window tumbling down.

The snow did not deter this demolition, which began in front of my eyes on my walk on February 26, 2014. Why did I want to walk away from this scene?