Got an e-mail update from Rick Hyne from Crankshaw Holdings, which owns a number of properties, including 55 Victoria Road.. I’ll post what he has written here.
55 Victoria Road
I wish to report that the proposed development at this location was something that a developer was looking at completing. While we certainly like to see development take place at this location and have reviewed a number of options over the last many years, Crankshaw Holdings Ltd has not received any proposals or offers to develop this location, other than some ‘ideas’ that we consider speculative in nature.
None of our representatives have been present at any meeting and any implication or suggestion that the developer was in fact representing the owner or the corporation is false. As a matter of fact, the developer, and any developer that would be interested in developing this property is certainly free to say that the owner is supportive in any plan, and that would be true, but the bottom line is that the building was not sold to development and still remains the property of Crankshaw Holdings Ltd.
The property is currently less than 30% occupied and the two lower floors are closed off. We have explored changing the use of the building, but the perception is that the area is still a problem, thus we are unable to attract technological companies, schools or other large volume users.
China Steps
Crankshaw Holdings Ltd, owner and operator of the Jean Burns building is currently working with the Downtown Nanaimo Business Improvement Area (DNBIA) in efforts to reclaim the area known as China Steps as a venue to showcase Nanaimo’s culture.
The idea of an outdoor museum has been presented and we are in favor of:
1. Affixing several large signs protruding out from the building and over hanging parts of China Steps for the purpose of permitting local culture to present information on Nanaimo’s history.
2. Affixing some type of art to the entrance to China Steps.
3. Affixing some type of sculptures to the current ironworks that is in place to prevent loitering and illicit activity.
4. Adding artwork on or around our cardboard container.
We have also hired a consultant to help us with colours for new paint and canopies around the building.
Over at 27 Commercial, we will be repairing the existing facade and canopy.
Thanks Rick, for the clarification, the information, and for taking the time to write.
Thanks Barbara, for sharing!