Delta council voted unanimously Monday (Aug. 22) for a proposal to restore and repurpose the old Baker house for office and residential use.
Following a public hearing, council gave third and final reading to the project which will see restored and repainted siding, repaired windows and new paint representing the era in which it was built. A 999-sq. ft. addition to the side of the house will allow office space and inclusion of an elevator.
The century-old house at 4919 – 48th Ave., which most recently was a bed and breakfast, also will get a new heating ventilation and air conditioning system.
Council approved a heritage revitalization agreement and a heritage alteration permit which will allow the building to be converted from bed and breakfast use to office and residential use, including a 999-sq. ft. addition. The existing residential suite located on the ground floor will remain and the upper two floors would be used as an office.
“We’ve been looking for a building like this for a very long time, over 10 years,” said owner Sarah Gallop, of Sarah Gallop Design at the public hearing. “The home has some wonderful heritage features, inside and out.”
While she was with the heritage advisory commission, Gallop said she’s seen many old homes ruined by development.
“And that’s not what we’re intending to do. We want to make this home work, not only for our needs now but into the future, so we can ensure it’s always well kept,” she said. “We hope to maintain as much as possible while ensuring that aspects of the home can be brought up to current code.”
The proposal also includes provisions for the building to be later converted to a maximum of four residential units, should the building no longer be required for office purposes, a report notes.
The heritage agreement also adds the property to the Delta Urban Heritage Register.
George Thomas Baker (1874-1928) was a prominent businessman in Ladner, opening a wheelwright and blacksmith business on Elliott Street in 1897 called Ladner Carriage Works.
The Baker residence was built in 1922 on 48th Avenue as a one-and-a-half storey craftsman house, typical of construction in Ladner at that time. In 1985, it was moved a block east to its current location.
“I think the proposal looks great,” said Coun. Alicia Guichon. “It think it looks amazing and I think it will make a great addition to the village.”
Coun. Dylan Kruger called the project “absolutely stunning” adding that it will preserve the building into the future and was looking forward to the finished project.
