Victoria City staff recommend demolition of heritage-designated Plaza Hotel building if some elements are salvaged

Victoria City staff recommend demolition of heritage-designated Plaza Hotel building if some elements are salvaged
CHEK

City of Victoria staff are recommending Council green-light an application to demolish what’s left of the heritage-designated Plaza Hotel building.

The century-old structure at Pandora and Government was gutted by fire on May 6th.

The building’s owner, Ocean Gate Developments, has asked for a Heritage Alteration Permit to be able to proceed with the demolition “to address safety concerns, remove debris, and further excavate the site.”

City staff report that they toured the site on May 24th to undertake a heritage assessment and found items they believe should be salvaged and incorporated into any future development.

They include;

Two polished granite columns flanking the original main entry to the hotel that were seemingly untouched by the fire due to being encased in a metal surround from a later alteration.

Photo/City of Victoria

A number of white glazed brick units that had fallen from the upper storeys but suffered little to minor damage.

Photo/City of Victoria

A number of heavy structural timbers also suffered minor fire damage.

Photo/City of Victoria

Ten feet tall square tapered cast iron structural columns supporting the front facade below ground level at the property line parallel with sidewalk

Sidewalk glass prisms have also been found beneath the existing Government Street sidewalk that are intact and retain heritage value.

The report says that the owners of intend to present initial concepts for a new design for the site in the fall of 2019.

Ben O'HaraBen O'Hara

Recent Stories

Send us your news tips and videos!