The District of West Vancouver is giving up one piece of prime waterfront property in hopes of attaining another.
A vacant lot at 3000 Park Lane, just west of Dundarave, has been listed on the market for $7.4 million. For years the district-owned, 9,804-square-foot lot has gone almost untouched, other than a slab of concrete built by a previous neighbour on the northeast section.
There’s also a beach access path running down the west side of the lot, which is not technically part of the property. According to the district, the path will likely remain after the lot is sold, but might be adjusted slightly.
West Van Mayor Mark Sager said council approved the sale of the land to help fund the purchase of 1444 Argyle Ave., the last remaining private residence along a strip of Ambleside waterfront that the district plans to redevelop into a public space.
The owners of the Argyle Avenue home, who have lived there for decades, are open to the idea of selling the property, Sager said.
“I’ve been talking to them on a regular basis,” he said. “I’m anxious to ensure that they’re treated fairly and we find a home to replace the place they’ve lived forever.”
District staff have been directed to seek an appraisal of the Ambleside home, but a deal to buy it hasn’t been worked out yet.
As for the Park Lane property, real estate agent Holly Calderwood described the lot as “beautiful, high bank waterfront,” which offers more protection from the elements than low bank.
People living in the area are excited to see the property redeveloped, she said. “The neighbours really want something built to fit the neighbourhood.”
Calderwood added that the owners of the neighbouring lot at 2998 Park Lane are also interested in selling. While that property isn’t currently listed on the market, it was last year for just shy of $8 million.
Elsewhere in West Van, there’s another district-owned property up for sale, with funds likewise going to the Ambleside purchase. The former parkland property at 2517 Rosebery Ave. has recently been re-listed at $2.8 million. That lot first , along with two adjacent properties bought by Jimmy Pattison in an for his former home at 1448 Argyle Ave.
