Vancouver heritage designation sought for one of Main Street’s oldest stores

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      The legacy of the old McLean Grocery Store in Vancouver could live on for generations.

      An application has been filed to retain, protect, and redevelop the commercial building that was constructed in 1912-1913.

      According to the agenda of the Vancouver Heritage Commission, the 4392-4394 Main Street property is “valued for its association with the early twentieth century real-estate boom in South Vancouver”.

      It is “one of the first shops established on Main Street south of King Edward Avenue”.

      The building is listed in the B category of the Vancouver Heritage Register.

      This means that it is of “significant” heritage value.

      The proposal for 4392-4394 Main Street was up for review Monday (November 18) by the Vancouver Heritage Commission.

      "A Development Permit application has been received, proposing the retention of the McLean Grocery Store, with two residential units above the retail units in the heritage building, and a new detached live-work infill dwelling at the rear comprising of two units, for a total of four residential units and two commercial units,” according to the commission’s agenda.

      The agenda noted that the building is “also valued for its distinctive character, expressed through cladding and window details”.

      The building was originally a single-storey shop. A second floor added as a residence in 1923.

      The development application was filed by Joe Muego of Hearth Architectural Inc.

      The Vancouver Heritage Foundation recalls on its website that the first occupant of the ground-level building was the grocery of Donald McLean.

      “The house on the upper level was added in 1923, when the building was owned by J.R. Novell,” according to the foundation.

      The shop is now an antiques store. 

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