The old Dunsmuir House, which stood at the corner of Richards and Dunsmuir streets in Vancouver's downtown for more than 115 years, has been demolished.
The building, which was built in 1908 as a hotel, fell into disrepair in recent years after it became vacant in 2013.
In December 2024 it was determined by city staff that it needed to be demolished as it was a "danger to public safety," with nothing saved.
"The chief building officer has determined that the condition requiring safe preservation of heritage components cannot be fulfilled and the demolition must proceed without delay," notes the city in a media release regarding the demolition issued Jan. 10, 2025.
The City of Vancouver expressed frustration that the historic building owned by Holborn Properties would have to be destroyed.
"The City is disappointed that the owners of Dunsmuir House, a building with significant heritage value, neglected the building to the point where demolition became the only viable option to ensure public safety," stated the city in the release.
"Property owners have a responsibility to maintain their buildings, and allowing a property to fall into disrepair and become a hazard to public safety is unacceptable."
Holborn Properties says its own report on the structure didn't show it needed to come down so soon, and that they planned on redeveloping the site.
"From the outset, we have had plans to redevelop this location, incorporating 500 Dunsmuir Street into a broader vision for revitalization that would benefit the community, and we remain committed to this process."
Dunsmuir Street is closed at Richards until the demolition process is wrapped up. That's expected Sunday evening or Monday morning.
~With files from the Canadian Press and Mike Howell.
