Quote:
Originally Posted by valo403
If they go through with the plan as shown above I think they're doing a phenomenal job of preserving the past. Keeping the entire structure is simply impractical, utilizing the most redeeming portion of it in a functional manner is an incredibly smart and progressive way to both preserve the past and make needed progress.
I'm not sure what else you would have them do, put yellow tape around it and let the structure continue to decay?
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How do you know if it's impractical? The City doesn't even know the answer to that question yet.
The building itself is actually of far greater heritage significance than the sign. It's one of only a very few of this kind of roadside architecture in Canada or even North America. The builing can likely be pretty easily be restored - I recently met with one of the previous owners of the building (who at the time he owned it used it as a residence). He long had thoughts of converting it into a diner. People picking up coffee on the way to the train and a diner with ample parking on weekends when no one else is in the park and ride could do just fine in that location.
The City is now doing further due dillgence to determine if the building is structurally sound enough to move, if it can be restored, asbestos assessment, and how it might be placed back on site (and at what cost).
As a similar example, the City is moving and restoring the old Enoch Sales house (yellow currently delapitated house) that sits at 12th Avenue and 2nd Street SE in the Beltline just north of Stampede. It'll be permanently situated in a new small park fronting 2nd Street - and will have an adaptable reuse (perhaps a restaurant). These kinds of things happen fairly frequently and aren't necessarily all that difficult.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgar...-preserve.html