Neighbourhood residents concerned over the construction fencing and work crews at the historic Young/Henderson residence in the 1700-block of Grand Boulevard need not worry.
The home, described by City of North Van planners as “perhaps the best example of the remaining heritage homes from the second wave of development,” in the area isn’t getting prepped for bulldozing.
The 89-year-old home, built in the English arts and crafts style, is getting refurbished, and soon it will have a new next-door neighbour, after a decision by council on Monday in favour of rezoning the two-lot property to allow for a second brand-new home on the property.
The rezoning allows for the two existing lots to be realigned, creating a new lot fronting on East 18th Street. The Young/Henderson residence will remain in place on the lot fronting Grand Boulevard. The new lot will contain a single family house and attached garage.
The property was purchased last spring by Derek Porter, a local builder with a penchant for heritage homes. Porter purchased the 1903-built Hamersley House on East Second in 2002 and lovingly restored the home originally built for Alfred St. George Hamersley, Vancouver’s first city solicitor.
Since then, Porter has undertaken several heritage projects, including one in the same Grand Boulevard neighbourhood as the Young/Henderson house.
“I did the one across the street 15 years ago,” he said.
He’s kept his eye on the Young/Henderson residence over the years and recently, after stopping by to take a look, a Realtor specializing in heritage homes called him on the same day. It was about to come on the market.
“I think there is a lot of value in these old heritage houses,” said Porter, who also owns Emery House on East First Street in North Vancouver.
Ross Henderson and his wife Frieda owned the house since 1961. When dealing with the estate, the couple’s three surviving daughters voluntarily gave the home a heritage protection covenant to protect it from demolition and preserve its character, along with a pair of copper beech trees and stone retaining wall in the front yard before it went on the market.
There were competing bids for the property and Porter even submitted his “heritage resume” with his bid for the property, which may have put him over the top.
“I have a passion for heritage homes and maintain several heritage homes and have a background in the restoration of heritage homes. I’m thrilled that the three daughters representing their father’s estate trusted us with the revitalization of this coveted property,” he told council.
“This home meant everything to them,” he said, adding, “at 89 years old we’re actually only the third owners of this beautiful house and I’m honoured to be part of this home’s history.”
As for the refurbishment of the house, Porter said it will get a brand-new roof, added bathrooms, legal suite and other modern conveniences, like heated bathroom floors and a larger, more modern kitchen with stainless steel “but it will be sensitive to the period.”
The original windows will be refurbished, not replaced, and chandeliers will remain in the living room, “like it’s been for 80 years.”
“Eight decades later this house still looks fantastic. I just have to boost it into the next generation and make it liveable for a modern family.”
Porter, whose company is called A Carpenter and Gentleman Construction Co. Ltd., is doing the project with Chris Enns and architect Charles Moorehead.
“The Young/Henderson residence will retain its estate-like appearance,” said Porter. “The home will be fully restored, although this home was kept in immaculate condition, the pride in ownership is abundantly evident everywhere.”
Council was unanimous in its support for the rezoning.
“I’m very supportive of this project and the Young/Henderson is actually one of my favourites if not the favourite on Grand Boulevard. I pass by it frequently,” said Coun. Linda Buchanan. “And first and foremost I’d like to thank the family for voluntarily protecting the home prior to it coming to council for legal protection because I think it’s significant to ensure that we are looking at means and ways in which we can retain the heritage homes in our community and particularly along Grand Boulevard.”
