Ever since the Lorne Hotel and Pub burned down in 2011, Comox Mayor Paul Ives said they've wanted to see something "rise from the ashes."
And it looks like the Town of Comox will get its wish.
The owner of the property, George Kacavenda, has began the initial process to rebuild and redesign the historic landmark.
"It's been a long process," said Ives. "I know the owners had to go through an insurance claim and now they've pulled together an application."
Town planners initially received an application for a three-storey building with 12 residential units. But because council directed staff on downtown development incentives, the developers of the now empty lot were given an opportunity to look at building a higher density establishment.
The property owner is now considering a five-storey building that will consist of the Lorne Pub and Bistro with a side-street patio, a cold beer and wine store, and above them 20 condominiums with two or three bedrooms.
"That could be a real catalyst for development downtown in terms of encouraging more residential and also supporting the downtown businesses," said Ives. "That application is still in the works. We haven't seen the plans for that but we hope that will bring something new and exciting to the downtown while also honoring the heritage of the Lorne Hotel."
Town council will need to consider a rezoning application to allow a five-storey building and will also give the public a chance to voice their opinions.
"Anything that's brought forward, our planning staff will be working hard in making sure it meets the requirements of our community plan and also recognize the heritage nature of what was here before," said Ives.
Before flames burned the hotel to the ground, it was considered the oldest licensed establishment in B.C. and was a famous landmark in the Comox Valley. John Fitzpatrick built the hotel in 1878, although some people say documents date back to 1867, the year Canada was born. The hotel was named after Canada's Governor General, the then Marquis of Lorne.
The developer of the rebuild, Shawn Vincent, shared some of the plans for the site. They believe the proposed building will inject new life in the downtown core.
"We are probably two weeks away from solidifying a new plan that's going up another two stories that will take real significant advantage of all the views of the bay and the mountains but also keeping the affordability component on the forefront of the first couple of levels," said Vincent.
Vincent said the good news for them is that the majority of the engineering and the landscape architectural work that has already been done will not be changed that much. The new plan will also address residential parking as well as for the pub and beer and wine store.
"What we're creating is a building that meets the needs today economically from a development standpoint but also look into the future for the community," said Vincent.
The project is estimated to cost around $5 million. Vincent said they're hoping at the end of November they will be able to resubmit a formal development and rezoning package.
"We are led to believe by the planners, and again good news, that they're going to shoot for a four to six month turnaround on that as long as we have all our ducks in a row," said Vincent.
The property on which the Lorne Hotel used to stand has been used as a parking lot and has been perceived by many as an eyesore. But when some of the business owners around the area learned that the property is being developed, they were excited about it.
"It's great," said Carole Marx, owner of Duduza Bed and Bath. "That place across the street has been empty. We get no traffic anymore. The local boaters and some from the States are not coming up. There's nothing here in Comox anymore. My next-door neighbour closed up shop just three weeks ago, it's just sad. The mall is decimated. We just don't have the kind of vibrancy that Comox had when I came here seven years ago."
Marx said to have people living in the downtown area would be a "plus" and a "big bonus for all the little shop owners."
Nearly New Books owner, Dan Kyle also welcomed the new plans and would really like to see this development push through.
"Having a dirt lot there has not been nice to look at," said Kyle, whose business has been operating in the downtown core for 18 years. "For tourists walking up and down the street, it's an eyesore."
Kyle doesn't see any problems with the plans laid out for the site except the height of the building.
"High density housing, anything that brings people to move downtown, walk, lounge, shop and less commuting traffic can only be positive for everyone," said Kyle.
