Changes are being contemplated for a heritage building that’s home to a longtime meat market in the Queen’s Park neighbourhood.
New Westminster city council has directed staff to process a proposed heritage revitalization agreement for the 404 Second St. The one-storey 1926 building at the corner of Second Street and Fourth Avenue contains a small-scale commercial unit and a rental residential suite.
“The Queen’s Park Meat Market was built in 1926 and has historic, social, cultural and esthetic value,” said a report to council. “It has historic value for its association with the 1920’s New Westminster building boom, and as one of Queen’s Park’s last surviving and functioning corner stores. The property also has social and cultural significance, evidence by its continuous commercial use and its pattern of long-term ownership and management by local New Westminster families.”
A preliminary staff report stated the proposed heritage revitalization agreement would add floor space to the existing building through a 31-square-metre (332-square-foot) side addition, an 18-square-metre (191-square-foot) rear addition and a basement. All totalled, it would increase the site coverage from 35% to 50%.
“In exchange for the development, the heritage building would be restored and legally protected through a heritage designation bylaw,” said the report. “Staff is seeking an endorsement for the project to proceed with community consultation.”
The project would also allow for the recreation of a historic roof sign. A relaxation to the sign bylaw is also proposed.
Some upcoming steps in the process include an applicant-led public consultation process and a review of the proposal’s heritage elements by the city’s community heritage commission.
