A Vancouver artist yesterday unveiled his painting of a popular heritage building slated for demolition, in the hopes that appealing to city council’s sense of nostalgia might keep the wrecking ball at bay.
Tiko Kerr’s painting, On A Full Night Of Stars, will be auctioned off to fund projects by West End Neighbours (WEN), an organization opposed to rezoning the neighbourhood for high-rise development without community consultation.
The painting depicts Maxine’s Hideaway on Bidwell Street, which was built around 1905 and is slated to become a tower, with only the façade remaining.
“It’s time for the community to have a say in its destiny,” said Kerr, who has lived in the West End for 30 years.
“Maxine’s is a treasure of the West End. Council (will) dispose of heritage sites that provide the cultural context that defines our community.”
Randy Helten with West End Neighbours said there aren’t many buildings left in Vancouver as old as Maxine’s.
He adds that the City of Vancouver should be working to preserve it.
“We think (its pending demolition) is quite a loss for the community and all of Vancouver,” Helten said of the site.
