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    Ogden residents want building saved from Green Line development

    YYC TimesBy Updated:No Comments8 Mins Read

    The Ogden Block, often known as the Hong Lee Laundry Constructing, sits within the 7000 block of Ogden Highway with its again to the longer term web site of the Inexperienced Line LRT tracks

    Printed on April 5, 2023 • Final up to date 8 hours in the past • 3 minutes studying

    Members of the Millican Ogden Heritage Group gather outside the historic building at 7044 Ogden Road that they hope to save from demolition on Wednesday, April 5, 2023. The building, originally a Chinese laundry, is slated for demolition as part of construction for the Green line.
    Members of the Millican Ogden Heritage Group collect exterior the historic constructing at 7044 Ogden Highway that they hope to avoid wasting from demolition on Wednesday, April 5, 2023. The constructing, initially a Chinese language laundry, is slated for demolition as a part of development for the Inexperienced line. Gavin Younger/Postmedia

    A century-old constructing slated for demolition might be saved for a second act, if residents in Ogden have their means.

    The Ogden Block, often known as the Hong Lee Laundry Constructing, sits within the 7000 block of Ogden Highway with its again to the longer term web site of the Inexperienced Line LRT tracks. It additionally sits simply north of the longer term LRT station in that neighborhood.

    Residents rallied exterior the constructing on Tuesday in hopes of drawing consideration to the destiny of the construction, which is predicted to be demolished.

    Bonny Warbeck, chairman of the Millican Ogden Heritage Group, stated the demolition of the constructing is just not obligatory to hold out future transit plans on the web site.

    “It seems that there are not any particular plans for this particular web site,” she informed reporters. “And this particular piece of land is required from what we perceive to convey the tracks in. I do know they want some area behind the constructing.”

    The constructing has historical past courting again to 1913

    In-built 1913, the constructing was constructed by two males of Chinese language descent, which Warbeck stated was uncommon for the time exterior of Calgary’s Chinatown.

    It started as a constructing the place business laundry was carried out, however shortly discovered use as a boarding home after which as a hospital area the place World Struggle I troopers may relaxation and recuperate after being injured.

    Extra lately, the constructing has been used as a rental, with eight items inside; nevertheless, it now stands empty and boarded up. Warbeck stated the inside was damaged into and trashed after the tenants moved out, however she and others consider it may be salvaged.

    Bonny Warbeck with the Millican Ogden Heritage Group speaks to the media outside the historic building at 7044 Ogden Road that the group hopes to save from demolition on Wednesday, April 5, 2023. The building, originally a Chinese laundry, was slated for demolition as part of construction for the Green Line.
    Bonny Warbeck with the Millican Ogden Heritage Group speaks to the media exterior the historic constructing at 7044 Ogden Highway that the group hopes to avoid wasting from demolition on Wednesday, April 5, 2023. The constructing, initially a Chinese language laundry, was slated for demolition as a part of development for the Inexperienced Line. Gavin Younger/Postmedia

    She stated they wish to see the constructing return to residential or business use, or a mixture of each.

    “This complete predominant avenue goes to be revitalized, and it might be an important alternative for some sort of cafe or a restaurant as a result of it is wanted,” Warbeck stated. “There might be workplaces going up or medical, many various kinds of companies. The chances are infinite.”

    Councilor helps heritage group

    Shovel. Gian-Carlo Carra was on the rally in assist of the heritage group. He stated there was curiosity in buying the constructing by some unnamed teams.

    “It is a bunch of not-for-profits that may want to come back collectively, and we now have some vital private-sector pursuits as nicely,” he stated.

    Carra described a possible path ahead with a bunch or developer taking up the constructing free of charge, with the potential proper of first refusal on adjoining land, as soon as development on the Inexperienced Line is full.

    Councilman Gian-Carlo Carra speaks to media outside the historic building at 7044 Ogden Road that the Millican Ogden Heritage Group is trying to save from demolition on Wednesday, April 5, 2023. Carra hopes to help the group prevent the building's demolition as part of construction for the Green Line.
    Councilman Gian-Carlo Carra speaks to media exterior the historic constructing at 7044 Ogden Highway that the Millican Ogden Heritage Group is making an attempt to avoid wasting from demolition on Wednesday, April 5, 2023. Carra hopes to assist the group stop the constructing’s demolition as a part of development for the Inexperienced Line. Gavin Younger/Postmedia

    ‘Marked curiosity in looking for an interim use’

    In an emailed assertion, Inexperienced Line officers stated they don’t seem to be conscious of any possible plan for the way forward for the constructing. A earlier structural analysis discovered the constructing might be moved, though the price could be vital.

    Adam Noble-Johnson, head of neighborhood relations with the Inexperienced Line, stated whereas the demolition of different buildings on the road had taken place earlier, they needed to make sure they’d an up-to-date and correct image of the constructing’s historical past earlier than continuing.

    “There was a variety of curiosity in looking for an interim use for the constructing,” he stated. “We do not know what it should seem like. Inexperienced Line is open to it. However finally we do not know what our final contractors’ plan for setup and development goes to be.”

    Noble-Johnson confirmed that the land the place the constructing stands is not going to be wanted straight for Inexperienced Line development, however will finally be bought again to a developer for a transit-oriented growth mission.

    brthomas@postmedia.com
    Twitter: @brodie_thomas

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