VREP #458 | Heritage, Housing & The Fight to Save Vancouver's Soul with James Evans

Can cities build desperately needed housing while preserving their architectural soul? Developer and Vancouver Heritage Commission Chair James Evans sits down with Adam & Matt to explore this pressing dilemma facing Vancouver's most cherished neighborhoods. From his stunning Gibson House project - which reimagined a 1907 mansion and convent into seven unique homes in East Van - to the surprising market appetite for historic properties, Evans reveals why there's still hope for thoughtful density in Vancouver's future. This wide-ranging conversation tackles the unintended consequences of new multiplex zoning and practical solutions for adding homes while maintaining community character. Can Vancouver densify without losing its historic charm? Why is saving heritage homes becoming harder despite strong buyer demand? And with recent provincial mandates inadvertently encouraging demolition over preservation, what policy changes could help save Vancouver's architectural legacy? An essential listen for anyone who cares about the future of Vancouver's neighborhoods!