This unique project involved the restoration of 26 City of Vancouver-owned heritage houses, some of the oldest structures remaining from early Vancouver history, on an entire city block in the heart of Vancouver’s densely populated West End. This resource had been under threat of demolition for many years. The existing residents and surrounding community banded together and approached Terra to develop a plan to save the homes.
Terra completed a feasibility study of the project and prepared a comprehensive development plan which involved a two-phased approach to the redevelopment. The heritage interiors and exteriors of the houses were carefully preserved; each of the houses was raised, adding proper foundations and an additional storey; the houses were adapted to include energy efficient heating systems, storm water management and re-use of heritage features. Terra, working closely with the Society, managed the relocation of the existing residents of the site and ongoing community engagement. Finally, Terra assisted in the operational start-up of the project.
Mole Hill now houses low-income singles and families, as well as market tenants, in 170 studio, and one-, two- and three-bedroom units. The project also preserved many of the site’s mature trees. The public space of the block was reconfigured to allow for private common space for residents and increased publicly accessible green space, including community gardens, pathways, benches and a water feature. The introduction of traffic-calming features in the laneway protects the safety of residents and created a pleasant walkway for the entire community.
Awards for Mole Hill include the 2004 Heritage Canada Award, the 2004 City of Vancouver Heritage Award of Honour, the Canadian Construction Association’s 2004 Environmental Achievement Award and a 2006 CMHC Housing Award for Best Practices in Affordable Housing.