In honor of the upcoming Eastside Culture Crawl....................(20th anniversary)

As the Nov. 17 - 20th exciting event nears..........I've decided to showcase photography.  The 20th anniversary for the Eastside Culture Crawl Society, is quite the achievement for this wonderful neighbourhood.  The beautiful photos shared are  taken by a truly talented artist/photographer Esther, who is a neighbour to 851 Union St. 

 Esther Rausenberg, is the Executive Director of the ECCS and her partner Richard Tetrault is one of the founding member of the organization.  Esther has lived in the neighbourhood for 35 years or more and a passionate Vancouverite, through and through.  Esther has photographed 851 Union st. over the years and generously shared some of her images with me.  Here are 5 featured this week; actually more than 5 but......oh take a look for yourself (smile).

This is Mrs. Lau, who lived in the house for many years (see the Big House section for the history of who has lived here over the years).  Mrs. Lau, from my understanding, took great pride in her home and was often seen tending her garden and fussing in the yard.

These 3 images show the yard and back of the house (for closer view check out the Images section).  The centre photo is a lovely perspective of the shed that is no longer there;   the blueish green color of that structure is so stunning.  It's interesting that when I went to the City to see what was on file for the house and property the only thing on record was a reference to this structure and how it once existed.  In our project it will be the space of an artist studio.

In this last set of images I love how Esther has captured such a playful charming side of Mrs. Lau's life at 851 Union St.  I am grateful to Mrs. Lau for her time lived in the house and Esther Rausenberg for capturing these moments!!        Thank you Esther!!

Halloween............

On the eve of "all saints" (Halloween)  it seems appropriate to honour an amazing architect, Bing Thom, who has recently passed on.  It has been a delight to have experienced  Bing through talks, events and discussions with others who were his friend.  I want to share something that stands out for me  from an article where Bing described his work.  He stated that in his architecture he wished to create a space where people would enter and feel tall, a grandeur of a place that would make one feel proud to be there.  

Returning from my travels in Croatia I have decided to share a place that gives me a special feeling that perhaps somehow will be captured in 851 Union st. (the short video is of the Velebit Mountain range taken from Pridraga)

With the Development permit behind us and the "new" waiting ..............

Hopefully, getting the Building Permit  will be an easier  phase of waiting.  With fingers crossed, I am going into this phase with the attitude of looking at interesting decisions others have made.  While in the homeland, which is Croatia, (take a look at the Big House section to see others from here who have lived in 851 Union)...my eyes are wide open at what things are taking place here.

Ok, we're not building a Hotel but check out images from this one on the island of Krk.  The choices made by this architect and owner on shape, windows, use of light and design are quite fabulous. Notice the light on the inside from both the first and last shot; exterior and interior.  When you sit in this restaurant you feel drawn to the world outside, looking at it from a different perspective.  When you stand outside one is intrigued by the shape of the building and also the artistic placement of the windows in the lower part of the complex.  I found it playful and beautiful at the same time. (for a larger view see the images in the Gallery section).

After leaving Otok (island) Krk I came across an interesting bathroom while in Zagreb and have included 3 shots.  Taking a picture of myself in a bathroom isn't what I usually do, but don't you think it was worth it? The tile work is great and those sinks!!  Gessi are the makers of the sink and faucet, which to my surprise I loved:  I'm not usually a fan of sinks that sit on the counter this way.  I found these in a great restaurant called Prishka which is worth taking in.

Another place to explore as a space of transformation is Lauba in Zagreb.  It was an old textile factory that now is an art gallery, event space, restaurant, office space and fantastic place to check out.  Sorry no photos of Lauba,  but if you follow me on everythingmira on Instagram you can see some there.

Lastly, I'll share a few photos of style depending on the door you choose.  Love them all so need to focus, focus.........focus.........(or maybe I'll just go grab a bite)

Yeah!! ........the waiting game has made some gains.

What a treat to celebrate receiving the Development Permit this week!  Congratulations to our team for all the hard work required in getting us to this stage.  It's not to be taken for granted going through this process of developing a property, I'll tell you.  

The Building Permit, which are plans with considerable details of what goes into the build, has been submitted.  Apparently, this is a shorter process of back and forth that takes place with a final permit delivered that takes us off to the races!!  More to come on this phase but for today happy to celebrate the DP!!