Historic Northern Junk properties slated for restoration

By Mike Kozakowski • Published on Wednesday, February 3, 2010 • Categorized as Business & the Local Economy, Construction & Land Development, Heritage, Local News, Real-estate

Two of Victoria's oldest heritage buildings, knowned as the Northern Junk buildings, are slated for restoration by Reliance Properties. Photo © VibrantVictoria.ca.

Vancouver-based Reliance Properties has announced plans to restore two historic downtown Victoria buildings.

The Northern Junk buildings, in the 1300-block of Wharf Street along the harbour and just a stones throw from the Johnson Street Bridge, have stood unoccupied for years as one developer after another attempted to secure the valuable real-estate.

“We anticipate a mixed-use residential and commercial project,” said Jon Stovell, general manager of Reliance Properties, a firm that has been involved with heritage restorations in Vancouver for many years.

“These buildings are a very valuable downtown heritage asset, and they’ve been sitting untouched for far too long,” Stovell added while reflecting on the rocky history between the previous owner, Klara Kramer of Oak Bay, and a number of developers interested in working on such a unique opportunity.

Asked why Victoria and why now after so many years of working only in Vancouver, Stovell claimed that many of Vancouver’s heritage buildings have already been restored or are planned to be restored, while the Northern Junk properties, sitting on prime downtown waterfront real-estate, haven’t been touched.

Jon Stovell of Reliance Properties. Photo © VibrantVictoria.ca.

Restoration costs are estimated in “the millions,” although it is too early to define a restoration start date. Merrick Architecture of Victoria has been hired to work on building plans.

To discussion the Northern Junk properties, please refer to VibrantVictoria.ca’s dedicated discussion thread here. Reliance Properties’ website can be accessed here.

Responses to this Headline or Article

The five most recent replies to VibrantVictoria.ca's discussion forum's [Downtown Victoria] Northern Junk Complex | 5-storeys | Proposed thread, the most relevant thread to the above headline or article:

Mike K.

Feb 03, 2012 at 7:26 am

aastra, thank you for your observations further up in this thread. You've helped illustrate just how well this project works within the context of old town guidelines.

Quote: In response to Bob Fugger:

My opinion has been formed by a review of the 100 plus pages of information presented at the Policy and Governance Committee meeting of December 15th as well as the additional information of January 26th. If one must be recused for forming an opinion to soon, we would have to include Mayor Fortin as he has stated he is in favour of this project.

The HAC performs an advisory function only. Council decides.

Mr. Johnson, nobody is suggesting you are not able to form an opinion of a project prior to reviewing it as a member of a City Hall committee. But you have elected to go far beyond that by launching a media campaign on multiple fronts as part of efforts of a heritage advocacy/lobby group of which you are president. This is not akin to an elected politician supporting a project from its inception.

If Mayor Fortin had mounted a campaign to engage the local media with overtones of support for the project and headed a group supporting/lobbying for the project one could say that it is fair and valid for opponents with ties to City Hall to engage in similar activity. However, one could also assume that having done this, Mayor Fortin would have excused himself from the council chambers if he were to preside over a vote for Northern Junk.

But what has transpired is a president of a lobby group orchestrating an offensive against a project, and who will soon act in the capacity of chair of a committee that directly influences Victoria city council on matters of heritage.

In this instance, your position as president of a lobby group and as chair of an advisory committee at City Hall appear to conflict with one another.

Mr. Johnson, I do wish to thank you for your continued participation on this issue. It is not easy to step into the "house" of individuals who may not necessarily see eye to eye with you and engage them.

dasmo

Feb 03, 2012 at 7:53 am

Well said Mike. that bit on the daily did inspire me to come on and make comments...

gumgum

Feb 03, 2012 at 8:35 am

I too want to think Mr. Johnson for his participation on the forum. It is very much appreciated.

Bob Fugger

Feb 03, 2012 at 8:36 am

Quote: Mr. Johnson, nobody is suggesting you are not able to form an opinion of a project prior to reviewing it as a member of a City Hall committee. But you have elected to go far beyond that by launching a media campaign on multiple fronts as part of efforts of a heritage advocacy/lobby group of which you are president. This is not akin to an elected politician supporting a project from its inception.

This is exactly what the problem is - and it is on its face a breach of legal convention and precedence. Thank you for your succinct summation of the issue.

Quote: Mr. Johnson, I do wish to thank you for your continued participation on this issue. It is not easy to step into the "house" of individuals who may not necessarily see eye to eye with you and engage them.

Ditto.

Sparky

Feb 03, 2012 at 8:39 am

Quote: Well said Mike. that bit on the daily did inspire me to come on and make comments...

What bit on the daily? I missed that.

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