Quote:
Originally Posted by Authentic_City
^I think you have missed the point. I agree that buildings have a certain use value, and if a manufacturing operation like Nutty Club can no longer use a building in a certain way because of inadequate loading facilities or whatever, then the building no longer has value as a factory. But it's clear that fellow has no experience in adaptive reuse/redevelopment of heritage buildings and doesn't seem interested in learning how. OK, fair enough. So why not sell the building and let the someone else use it for a different purpose? I thought I heard a rumor that some sort of craft brewery was interested in the building? What I get from the comments of this owner is that he would be content to neglect the building until it has to be demolished. I'm totally ok with businesses operating factories or warehouses in heritage buildings, but demolition by neglect is not OK.
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No, I got the point. You seem to imply that this is easy... lots of people do. I've seen some people make their money and go "hurdy durr, I'll try the development thing" and fall flat. Hard.
It is a far more logical to assume that the owner did in fact look into all the necessary changes required to put the building into any state of ideal use, whether factory, office or residential. He did mention doing so in the article. There are very few who have substantial experience in heritage repurposing in this city, and it ain't easy for them... so you can't fault this guy for not having an easy time here.
It is currently operating as a business and therefore not being neglected. Since it's working, making money, and is his property, his land, he sure as shit doesn't owe it to anyone to sell it so "someone else can develop it". Even moreso because due to the aforementioned columns spacing, size, elevator access, and myriad of other problems that come with an old building of that vintage, the next guy will a) offer too little money, and b) also struggle. There is a reason these buildings are struggling to sell elsewhere in the exchange.
As far as a brewery (nonsuch?) being interested, well, who knows... the article is now over 10 years old so that's not really relevant.
I've owned a 110 year old house, worked maintenance as a kid on heritage building, been a tenant in a 110 year old office building (grain exchange), and can tell you it's not easy.
I understand the emotional and historical value of heritage, especially for a city. But that doesn't feed the family or help the bottom line. Those can't be ignored, and the solutions are not that simple.
And of course, as Labroco has also mentioned, it's currently in a deadzone.