Larger Map!

Most of you know that demolitions do not happen only in Dunbar; they occur all over this changing city. Caroline Adderson has a Facebook page called Vancouver Vanishes, which also documents demolitions. Many thanks to Andrea Leung who has recently created an interactive map combining the data from Vancouver Vanishes and from Disappearing Dunbar. Here is a link for information about the map (you will need to scroll down): Vancouver Vanishes. For the map itself, go to

Demolished Character Houses in Vancouver.

For your convenience in viewing this larger map, I have put a link to it on the right hand side of the web version of my site.

A 1920's House on King Edward Avenue

The 3600/3700 block of West King Edward (just west of Dunbar Street) is near one of the highest points in Vancouver. Five of the houses on the south side of that block were built in 1924 and 1925. Two more were built in 1928 and 1930. The remaining original houses have been replaced.  This house was built in 1924 and obviously modified over the years. I liked the tradition it brought to the area, with its original wooden shingles, windows, and window boxes. It has been in the same family for the past 40 years, then sold in August 2015 and again in November. Enjoy these photos from August 16, 2015 taken around 4:30 pm with the sun slanting from the west, because the house is now gone. Demolished in mid September 2016.

It is interesting to note that two of the nearby 1925 houses were sold in 2013 and have been completely renovated, retaining and enhancing their initial character. It's unfortunate for the streetscape that this one did not enjoy the same treatment.

Woodland

Located on the southeast corner of Wallace and West 39th, this house came to my attention in the fall of 2010 when it was for sale. Already back then, it appeared somewhat derelict with the rampant foliage, and it may have been rented out. 

In 2012, it came to my attention again, being for sale. Some trees and bushes had been cut down on the south border. The add-on to the south with its large windows was unusual.

At one time, this home and landscape was much loved. It was called "Woodland."

In August 2014, it was sold yet again. This new owner demolished it, and a new house is now under construction.

Fortunately, some of the "woodland" was retained.

Across the street, at 3893 West 39th, this house built in 1947 with its elaborate stone terraces, has disappeared. The garden was impressive, but by the time that this photo (thanks to Caroline Adderson of Vancouver Vanishes) was taken, the garden was already destroyed.

Rally for Housing Action

Vancouver Character House Network  City of Vancouver Mayor and Council: Save Vancouver’s Character Houses.

Date and time of the Rally for Housing Action SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 17th, 2pm Vancouver Art Gallery Speakers Include: SFU Prof. Josh Gordon on foreign demand Caroline Adderson of Vancouver Vanishes Paul Kershaw of Generation Squeeze Dr. Darren Joneson on affordability Christine Duhaime on money laundering in Vancouver RE