Heritage buffs say artifacts will remind future generations of what a post office was

Last year, Vancouver Heritage Commission approved of a plan to keep a carving and two coats of arms

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – The announcement this week that Amazon plans to redevelop the old Canada Post building on Georgia Street raises questions about heritage artworks in the space.

It will be the second time the Vancouver Heritage Commission will advocate for artifacts in the building.

Last year, it endorsed a developer’s project that planned to keep a 4.9 metre image of a letter carrier carved into red granite and two coats of arms on the side of the building.

Another heritage item is a mural inside the lobby, depicting mail delivery over the years, by artist Orville Fisher.

Commission chair Michael Kluckner says it would be important for any new occupant of that space to acknowledge its past, beyond its proposed new name.

“When you call a building The Post, to future generations it could mean a piece of wood stuck in the ground, rather than a post office. The idea of keeping this element of history right out there in front will be important.”

He says he doesn’t know if Amazon is keen to keep the artwork.

“We’ll see. We’ll get an idea from their plans on how much they’re will to retain, and how much we can arm wrestle them into keeping things we think are important for the evolution of the building.”

The original development proposal included three towers rising from the old building, 400 market rentals, and 300 condo units.

Amazon’s plans involve a new tower, with a mix of office and retail space.