When I am out walking along the harbour front, I always pass this derelict building and wonder why it still stands. It was built in 1937 and was still in use when this picture was taken at the Front Street entrance in 2004.
Now, the front elevation looks like this:
When seen from the harbour front walkway, the back of the building shows its neglect.
It also shows the size of the building, which is not apparent from the street.
As I approached the building to take photos, I realized that behind the chainlink fence that is across the foundation there was an enormous collection of scrap metal car parts. They must have been there for decades.
And yet, this building is beside million-dollar townhouses and apartments with a wonderful view. I don’t understand why this property hasn’t been claimed by developers yet. It is a mystery.
Edit to add: Thank you to Pat Couture for providing a link to an article in The Discourse that explains some of the reasons why this prime location is still undeveloped.
Snowbird of Paradise 
Bizarre
I think so too
Definitely a mystery.
Now I’m wondering if the ground is contaminated with oil from the business. Even so, someone should do something with it.
I bet you’re correct. Toxic land…we bought a building that was once a gas station and it was a nightmare to get the EPA to sign off on it. We had massive craters dug up in our parking lot to be sure not even a teaspoon of gas remained in the soil.
It’s either that, or the land is unstable. There were formerly coal mines in the area. Either way, the city should tear down this old building.
Yes, if they own the property, otherwise they should lean on whoever does own it to get it cleaned up.
I was wondering about that. It seems to have been abandoned.
Interesting! Construction costs remain high, so it’s probably not going to be developed. And, yes, that it was automotive also makes clean up complicated. It will be interesting to see if anything changes (besides continued decay). I’m kinda glad for the locals that many-storied hotels, condos, or whatever, didn’t work out. Talk about blocking that view!
I think you are right, Lorna. But it is very close to a popular park and waterfront pathway, so I don’t know why they don’t just level it and make it a pedestrian lookout point.
Oh, that sounds lovely.
I’m glad you approve 🙂 When we rule the world we will see to it.
Yes! Keep notes!😁
I’m chuckling here.
Me, too!