Hall House, 1955
Hall House, 1955
West Vancouver, BC
Designed by Ron Thom
Support Building on the West Vancouver Survey of Significant Architecture (1945-75)
PLACES | Hall House
Threatened with Demolition
Last update April 12, 2022
The 1955 Hall Residence was designed by Ron Thom, the illustrious Canadian architect whose pioneering work in modern domestic architecture was instrumental to the proliferation of the West Coast Modern movement. While characteristically quite different from Thom’s more well known residences, the house draws similarities to the now demolished Merler House in West Vancouver, and exists amongst the architect’s extensive body of work of artful, innovative, and meticulously detailed modern residences on the North Shore and across the BC south coast.
While the home appears to have been well-maintained over the years, it has undergone a number of extensive renovations and additions since 1955. According to building permit records, a pool and cabana was added in 1969, along with substantial renovations inside and out in 1981, and again in 2001. Photographs taken at different periods over the past few decades show the extent of alterations to both the interiors and exteriors, with elements and detailing that are rather incongruous with Thom’s architectural idiom.
While not officially designated as a heritage asset, the home is recognized for its significance as a “Support Building” in the West Vancouver Survey of Significant Architecture 1945-1975.
Application for Demolition
On October 18, 2021, the District of West Vancouver received an application for demolition of the Hall House. This following the approval, on July 22, 2020, of an Environmental Development Permit for a new dwelling on the property, and a subsequent amendment to increase the proposed building footprint, approved on September 23, 2021. The District has acknowledged that the property’s “Support Building” heritage status was not flagged during these EDP approvals because of a change in address that had occurred in 1996. In an effort to explore options for the long-term, legal protection of the house, District staff requested from Council the approval of a 60-day Temporary Protection Order to allow time to discuss retention options with the owner. Council approved this request at its April 11th Regular Council Meeting. If an agreement cannot be reached with the homeowners after this period of 60 days, a demolition permit will need to be granted.
Support Efforts to Save this Landmark
If you wish to support efforts to save this heritage house, email your support to the West Vancouver Mayor and Council: mayorandcouncil@westvancouver.ca
- April 12, 2022: The District of West Vancouver Council approved a 60-day Temporary Protection Order setting in motion a period of time for District Staff to engage with the homeowners on potential development options in exchange for legal protection of the house.
- April 8, 2022: The District of West Vancouver has received an application for demolition of the Hall Residence (c. 1955), designed by Ron Thom. District Staff is requesting from Council the approval of a 60-day Temporary Protection Order to provide time to discuss potential development options in exchange for legal protection of the house. Council is scheduled to take up this request at its April 11th Regular Council Meeting.
- West Vancouver Survey of Significant Architecture 1945-1975. F.G. Architecture & Planning Consultants, 1994.
