Holborn Properties denies it let Dunsmuir House fall apart to force demolition – BC [Video]

Deteriorating to the point it was at risk of a “catastrophic collapse”, Vancouver city council voted unanimously on Dec. 18 to declare the former Dunsmuir Hotel a danger to public safety, and ordered its demolition.

Holborn Properties, which owns the structure at 500 Dunsmuir Street through a subsidiary, has been given 21 days to do the work at its own expense.

The 115-year-old Dunsmuir House has sat vacant since 2013, its roof leaking for more than a decade.

Holborn will also be required “to preserve certain heritage features to be reused in any future development of the site,” if it can be done safely.

While the building is listed on Vancouver’s Heritage Registry, it is not protected under heritage designation laws.

Retired architect and real estate consultant Michael Geller said the property’s owner needs to be held accountable.

“The fact they allowed it to become derelict after purchasing it is a tragedy because this really is a special building,” Geller said …