Re: “We should celebrate gold-rush warehouses,” Dec. 16.
The letter states “there is a small, vocal group supporting building the two slabs.”
I think there are a lot more Victorians who are relieved and excited to see something done with the derelict Northern Junk property after many years of crossing the street to avoid it.
I am a staunch supporter of preserving our heritage roots and the gems of our city. I find the level of preservation of these two buildings is more than appropriate. They are not examples of great architecture, nor is the space of particular importance. The buildings from the street side are simply an eyesore — the proposal appropriately presents their good side, which is the water side. I think the most critical part of the proposal is the reclamation of public space and making it more open and accessible.
The plans I have seen illustrate a rejuvenation of the space. This will be a linchpin for the future of the harbour space connectivity. Since the same developer is moving forward on the Janion development, these two properties will bookend the new bridge and create a fantastic gateway to the area of lower Johnson Street and the design district.
I was excited that this area might be rejuvenated in my lifetime, so it worries me that the Heritage Society seems to be out to stop the development.
Our downtown should not be a museum, but rather a world-class working and living city.
Damon Langlois
Victoria
