Century-old homes saved from bulldozers and relocate to a new neighbourhood

Residents and citizens all across Metro Vancouver gathered this morning on West 43rd Avenue where two century-old homes, The Dorothies, were slowly moved to their new neighbourhoods two block away by heavy-duty trucks.

A neighbourhood affair

A crowd of about 100 people surrounded the scene, taking pictures and catching up with old friends at the historic event. Another 50 to 70 construction and traffic control staff facilitated the careful move three months in the making, according to the president of house moving company Nickel Bros, Jeremy Nickel.

The move, which reportedly costs about $250,000 to $350,000 is paid by developer Trasolini Chetner. They hope to incorporate the structures in a new townhouse development.

Scott Keenlyside’s legacy

Walter Keenlyside is the great grandson of Scott Keenlyside who built the two “gems”.

“It’s a tragedy to tear down these [heritage] homes.” He spoke with pride about his great grandfather’s forward-thinking ideas,  who he believes was one of the first architects to use reclaimed material in construction.

Local resident Seymour Kelly has been a neighbour of The Dorothies for 11 years. He arrived early to watch the commotion from across the street with mixed feelings of excitement and detachment to old homes with heritage.

“I’m not stirred about demolishing old homes. New homes are progress,” says Kelly.

Prior to the move, Nickel reminded staff on the significance of the event to the nearby community. Unlike other job sites, he added that staff should refrain from swearing and ensure that the job site remains clean.

Reported by Jenny Peng