The Archdiocese of Vancouver is selling one of its historic holdings
in downtown Vancouver — the red brick building on tthe southeast corner
of Robson and Cambie.
Built in the 1920s as an industrial site for Northern Electric, it
has been the Roman Catholic church's main administration building since
the 1950s, and now features a men's shelter on its third floor.
The church really has no choice but to sell the Yaletown property, said archdiocese communications director Paul Schratz.
"The building has outworn its use," said Schratz. "We have more people crammed in here than it was ever built for."
Looking to south Vancouver
Schratz said the structure also has ongoing plumbing and electrical issues.
Despite the problems, the building sits in a prime location in a
forest of condominium highrises and close to BC Place Stadium and the
Robson shopping district. It was assessed last year at about $12
million.
The one thing the church won't do is abandon the 100 homeless men that now rely on the shelter every night, Schratz said.
"The Archbishop has committed to continuing service to the homeless in this area," he said, although he provided no details.
Schrtaz said the Church is looking at buying a new administration centre in south Vancouver.