Many perceive our famous Johnson Street Bridge and certain empty and neglected properties in Old Town as nothing more than eyesores.

Not so, in the opinion of Jon Stovell, general manager of Vancouver's Reliance Property and new owner of the somewhat shabby Janion Hotel on Store Street and the Northern Junk buildings on Wharf Street.

Instead, he sees them as "such an amazing property" and understands what these properties mean for the future character of the ultimate overhaul of that part of the harbour.

Mayor Dean Fortin was quoted as saying the city is thrilled to see a committed buyer with a vision to revamp the historic site with incredible potential on prime waterfront land in the heart of Old Town.

Because Reliance has hired renowned firm Merrick Architecture to work on the plans, we can expect nothing less than great designs. Early estimates suggest well over $3 million to renovate the existing buildings.

There may be detractors. Those who perceive only the rusted iron on our Blue Bridge, still standing proud, and the dowdy appearance of the so-called derelict buildings, are inclined to say it would be better to knock the whole lot down and start afresh.

However, they fail to see the larger picture, and the potential. The proposed redevelopment of the waterfront heritage buildings, together with the trusty span, are what truly defines Old Town and must go ahead

Read more: http://www.timescolonist.com/Amazing+property+gets+lease+life/2554353/story.html#ixzz0fXotvMWo