what's with that block on 17th Ave in West Vic?

[newsposter]

FYI, there are about six houses vintage pre-WW1 that are boarded and fenced in the middle of the block bordered by 17th Avenue, 15th Avenue, 1st Street and 2nd Street SE in West Victoria Park (two houses face 17th, the others face 15th). Until recently almost all these old houses were occupied. If they are torn down I wonder if the owners will try to put in a parking lot until the market improves

This whole block seems up for grabs except for the Boardwalk properties office on the NE corner and the condo building on the NW corner...

See also the item about the closure of the historic Jacques funeral home on the same block:
http://www.calgaryheritage.org/CHIForum/vi ... =1669#1669

Previously, the old Draper Grocery, an inventoried heritage building was torn down on the same block:
http://www.calgaryheritage.org/CHIForum/vi ... ght=draper

Also, there seems to be nothing going on at the former Ideal party rentals on the corner of 1st Street, also on the same block. Originally a garage built in 1928 (see Harry Sanders, Historic Walks of Calgary). This was the original site of old house that is now Tequila nightclub across the street. The house was moved to make way for the garage:
http://www.calgaryheritage.org/CHIForum/vi ... ht=tequila

[newsposter]

Update on the above posting:

The early 20th c. houses have recently been demolished. It looks like a couple of major trees were left standing.

The 1928 gas station (more recently, Ideal Party Rentals) was also demolished at the same time.

The former Jacques Funeral Home remains and is for lease. The building has a lot of potential. Built in 1936, it is on the City heritage inventory but is not designated/protected.