An artist's drawing of the Westcorp hotel on the shore of Okanagan Lake in downtown Kelowna.
Image Credit: Westcorp
May 16, 2016 - 5:00 PM
KELOWNA - The salvage of historically-significant bricks on Westcorp’s new downtown hotel site began today, May 16. Reclamation of the bricks on the existing Water Street building will be undertaken by locally owned Folio Building Group.
In preparation for demolition, a hazardous materials investigation of the existing building on Water Street. revealed the concrete stucco on portions of the exterior contained asbestos. Removal of the stucco revealed brick walls which Westcorp learned, after speaking with Amanda Snyder, Curatorial Manager with the Kelowna Museum, were sourced from Knox Mountain.
After discussions with the City of Kelowna and the Kelowna Museum, Westcorp sought the help of Shane Styles at Folio Building Group and his masons to oversee and conduct reclamation of the bricks. A portion of the reclaimed bricks will be used on the Kelly O’Bryan’s building (that building has the same brickwork as part of its structure), a small portion will be used by the Folio Group on some infill buildings in South Pandosy, a portion will be donated to the Kelowna Museum, and the remainder will be donated to the City of Kelowna for use in various other locations in the downtown core.
“While demolition activities have been delayed as a consequence of the discovery, Doug Gilchrist (City of Kelowna) and Shane Styles have reacted very quickly coming to Westcorp’s assistance with this, and we are very pleased that plans are now in place that will assure the preservation and reuse of these historically significant bricks.” Gail Temple, VP Stakeholder Management, Westcorp
Once the brick reclamation has concluded, demolition of the building will commence. New temporary pay-parking stalls will be available a couple of weeks later.
News from © iNFOnews, 2016