Why was an 115 year old Vancouver landmark demolished?

Bye bye building

After more than 115 years of standing watch over the corner of Richards and Dunsmuir streets in downtown Vancouver, the Dunsmuir House has been demolished. The structure, originally built as a hotel in 1908, was brought down in a two-day operation on January 18 and 19th, marking the end of an era in the city’s architectural history.

Downtown danger 

The decision to demolish the building, which had been vacant since 2013, was not made lightly. In December 2024, city officials determined that the building was no longer safe for public occupancy and needed to be torn down due to its deteriorating condition. The City of Vancouver expressed its frustration that the property had fallen into such disrepair, citing that it was now deemed a “danger to public safety.”

“The building, despite its significant heritage value, could no longer be preserved,” said a city spokesperson. “Property owners have a responsibility to maintain their buildings, and neglecting that duty to the point where demolition becomes the only option is unacceptable.”

Despair over disrepair 

The Dunsmuir House, owned by Holborn Properties, was once a prominent part of the city’s landscape, but as time passed, it fell into a state of disrepair. Despite the city’s disappointment, Holborn Properties issued a statement indicating that they had long planned to redevelop the site.

Their proposal aimed to integrate the existing structure into a larger revitalization project that they hope will benefit the local community.

Strike a balance

Vancouver continues to evolve, but the loss of Dunsmuir House serves as a stark reminder of the challenges of balancing preservation with development. Do you think this situation was approached correctly?