New life breathed into derelict buildings

VICTORIA - From across the Harbour, the Northern Junk buildings look like junk, but Vancouver developmer Jon Stovell sees something else. That's why his company, Reliance Properties, bought them for $1.5 million. They are two of Victoria's oldest buildings left to fall into disrepair by long-time owner Clara Kramer. Stovell says he has been eyeing the heritage property since last spring. Stovell is known for developing "micro-lofts" in Vancouver. Each is roughly 270 square feet. Could they be a good fit for the Northern Junk buildings? Stovell isn't sure if such a design would pass in Victoria, but Victoria Coucillor Charlayne Thornton-Joe admits small condos are becoming quite popular. No matter how the buildings are configured, likely a mix of commercial and residential, Stovell hopes he and his architect Paul Merrick can honour the property's rich past. Once upon a time wharves connected the warehouses to the waterfront where ships unloaded goods. Early concepts may be ready for the public to see within a few months. This may be his company's first time in Victoria, but it may not be the last. Stovell says Reliance as also expressed interest in another of Kramer's properties, the Janion building. "We'll keep an eye on that one," says Stovell. In the meantime, the Northern Junk facelift will mean the end of a derelict era on the waterfront, and with the possibility of a new blue bridge, the next step in revitalizing Victoria's harbour.



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