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Kelowna  

Heritage on hold

The restoration of Cameron House is expected to be put on hold while the exact scope of that restoration is determined.

Cameron House was originally built in 1928 at 2345 Richter Street. The surrounding parkland was donated to the city in 1968 while the building itself was purchased for $70,000 in 1976.

It is part of the municipal and national heritage register as a rare example of log construction in Kelowna and its historical value.

It was home to the Waldorf Preschool from 1982 until it was closed in 2012 due to safety concerns. It is currently vacant and boarded up.

The house became a tipping point for a more comprehensive review of city owned heritage buildings throughout the city during budget talks earlier this year.

Council debated the merits of adding $200,000 to the budget for renovations to the house. That was on top of $300,000 already set aside in previous years. While it kept the money in the budget, council asked that a report on necessary repairs and renovations be provided before a final budget decision was reached.

A staff report prepared for council suggests the $200,000 request be removed from the 2015 budget with the provision to submit an updated capital request for the 2016 budget.

In his report Parks and Buildings Planning Manager Terry Barton suggests with appropriate renovations and restoration the building could attract positive use from a tenant.

While architectural and engineering assessments still need to be completed, Barton indicates several areas of restoration work, including:

  • Reinstate the structural integrity of the building to meet life safety and BC Building Code objectives including foundations, main floor and work on the second floor fire escape
  • Exterior log wall repairs
  • Repair and reinstatement of the remaining exterior envelope
  • Upgrades of the electrical, heating, fire alarms and plumbing systems to meet code requirements
  • Interior alterations and functional improvements to suit a future tenant

Cost of the necessary repairs to Cameron House, which is insured for $510,000, have not been determined however, Barton does not believe those costs will rise past the million dollar mark.

"Since the house is boarded up and not threatened from further deterioration the city has time to ensure the best possible solution is made," concluded Barton.

"Staff recommend taking the next few months to work through in greater detail the opportunities and constraints of the various options to ensure due diligence is carried out before selecting a future use for the building. The time will also provide the opportunity for engineering and architectural assessments to be completed.

Barton said the additional time would also allow staff the opportunity to follow up with senior levels of government regarding potential funding or grant opportunities.

The building is insured for $510,000.



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