Kelowna, BC, (May 13, 2016 )- On Monday, May 16, 2016 at 7 a.m., the salvage of historically-significant bricks on Westcorp’s new downtown hotel site will begin. Reclamation of the bricks on the existing Water St. building will be undertaken by locally owned Folio Building Group.
In preparation for demolition, a hazardous materials investigation of the existing building on Water St. revealed that the concrete stucco on portion of the exterior contained asbestos. Removal of the stucco revealed brick walls which Westcorp has learned from Amanda Snyder, Curatorial Manager with the Kelowna Museum, were sourced from Knox Mountain in the late 1800’s.
After discussions with the City of Kelowna and the Kelowna Museum, Westcorp sought the help of local resident, Shane Styles of Folio Building Group and his masons to oversee and reclaim the bricks. A portion of the bricks will be used on the Kelly O’ Bryan’s building (has the same brickwork in its structure), a small portion will be used by the Folio Gorp on some infill buildings in South Pandosy, a portion will be donated to the Kelowna Museum, and the remainder will be donated to the City of Kelowna for use in various other loacations in the downtown core.
“While demoltion activities have been delayed as a consequence of the discovery, Doug Gilchrist (City of Kelowna) and Shane Styles have reacted very quickly coming to Westcorp’s assistance with this, and we are very pleased that plans are now in place that will ensure the preservation and reuse of these historically significant bricks, ” said Gail Temple, Westcorp’s VP Stakeholder Management.
Once the brick reclamation has concluded, demolition of the building will commence. New temporary pay-parking stalls will be available in the coming weeks.
For more information:
Westcorp
Gail Temple, VP Stakeholder Management
250-763-1400