As I read the article about the Providence Academy smokestack, boiler and laundry buildings, I was moved to write. Understanding the cost to preserve and renovate the unsafe structures, I’m trying to figure out why total demolition is the only answer. This campus is part of Vancouver’s history, and wouldn’t it be better to think outside the box to help preserve that history? I’m sure there are plenty of photographs showing what they look like, so why not re-create them to look as they were, but under today’s standards? Then, they could be used in some way, yet look like they’ve always been there.
Europe has done this numerous times (especially after the war). It must be cheaper than trying to repair what is beyond saving.
