For the past few months, people passing by a Vancouver construction site have seen a peculiar sight – three heritage houses held 40 feet off the ground by a series of struts.
The feat of engineering is being carried out as part of a townhouse development will ultimately weave the three reimagined heritage homes with a series of contemporary concrete townhomes.
According to the project's website, each of the one to three-bedroom homes will feature a private entry and a resident-only courtyard. The outside of the three heritage homes will be restored to their former glory while the insides receive a modern makeover.
The three heritage homes were built in 1904, 1908, and 1911.
Peter Kefalas, co-owner of JOIE by Inhaus Development Ltd., said the city required the houses be restored.
“We decided with the city to collectively save the homes. Not under a heritage revitalization agreement but under a character designation," said partner Tony Russo.
Crews dug underneath the houses to accommodate an underground parkade, the ground floors and a new foundation for the homes to sit on.
Zebiak house movers carried out the operation of keeping the homes suspended.
Including the refinished heritage homes, there will be 23 townhouses built on the property.