Historic Taylor Manor proposed for new supportive housing project

Up to 56 homeless individuals with mental illness will have new supportive housing at Taylor Manor through a project proposed today by the City of Vancouver and Streetohome Foundation to renew the heritage facility on Boundary Road at Adanac St.

This heritage facility was constructed by the City in 1915 to serve as a care home for low-income seniors. The building was renamed Taylor Manor in 1946 to honour popular eight-term Vancouver Mayor Louis D. Taylor, who died in poverty at age 89.

The $14 million renovation of the facility includes a number of community partners: Streetohome Foundation has committed $1.4 million from the private sector, which includes a $1.2 million gift from Vancity, and another $200,000 from the Carraresi Foundation, to support the renovation of Taylor Manor and the addition of an annex.

An anonymous benefactor has agreed to provide ongoing operating funding.

The Kettle Friendship Society will operate the supportive housing facility once the renewal of the two-storey building and addition of a three-storey annex are complete.

Discussions continue with the BC Government, who have expressed a strong interest in the project.

Under the proposed plan, 56 residential units will be created along with program areas, kitchen and dining facilities, reading, lounge and TV areas as well as a courtyard within the complex, BBQ deck and community garden.

The complex served as a long-term care facility until 2000 when the residents moved to the neighbouring Adanac Park Lodge operated by Vancouver Coastal Health.

The Taylor Manor property is subject to a rezoning application for the proposed project. The application is expected to come before Vancouver City Council this fall. If approved, construction could begin mid 2013 for occupancy in winter 2014/2015.

A public open house for neighbourhood residents will take place Thursday, July 12, 2012 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the community room at Adanac Housing Co-op, 3550 Adanac Street. The public is invited to drop by to view the concept drawings and speak with project staff about the proposal for the site.

The City of Vancouver is committed to ending street homelessness by 2015. The 2012-2021 Housing and Homelessness Strategy outlines the steps needed to address street homelessness and to increase the variety of affordable housing options within the city.

Partner quotes

City of Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson

“The City of Vancouver is very pleased to partner with Streetohome Foundation and Kettle Friendship Society on this proposed supportive housing project,” said Mayor Gregor Robertson. “Taylor Manor is a fine example of how key partners have come together to provide housing, supports and a stable living environment for our most vulnerable citizens.”
Streetohome Foundation President Dick Vollet

“Streetohome is dedicated to building capacity within the housing continuum for homeless individuals living with mental illness and addictions,” said Dick Vollet, President of Streetohome Foundation. “Taylor Manor will provide the types of programs and supports that people who are at great risk of chronic homelessness need in order to maintain their housing and establish stability in their lives.”

Kettle Friendship Society Executive Director Nancy Keough

“The Kettle is thrilled to be chosen to operate this supported housing facility,” said Nancy Keough, Executive Director of The Kettle Friendship Society. “We see our vision of bringing safe and secure housing across Vancouver becoming a reality, and we are excited to be part of this wonderful community.”


Media contacts:
City of Vancouver
Corporate Communications
604.871.6336
media@vancouver.ca

Streetohome Foundation
Christina Panagio
Communications Manager
christinap@streetohome.org
604.629.2711
Cell: 604.365.0093

Kettle Friendship Society
Nancy Keough
Executive Director
604.251.9828