The vacant Salvation Army Temple, built in 1949 by architects Mercer and Mercer, anchors the intersection of Hastings Street and Gore Avenue as a grand example of the Moderne architectural style. Materially exotic within a district mostly characterized by brick facades, the streamlined structure at 301 East Hastings Street has been touted by Heritage Vancouver as the last historic purpose-built assembly building in the Downtown Eastside capable for conversion into community cultural space.

301 East Hastings, image retrieved from Google Street View

The current reinforced concrete building replaced the Salvation Army Citadel, which existed at the location from 1907. It contains a large assembly hall, small auditorium and gymnasium, classrooms, a library, and a kitchen. These amenities, residents say, could easily be harnessed for use as much-needed cultural facilities.

301 East Hastings, image by Flickr user Jason V via Creative Commons

The Gold Buddha Monastery took over the building in 1985, occupying it until 1993. In 2001, Vancouver Coastal Health purchased the property, which has since been used only for storage. The City's heritage register lists the building under the 'C' evaluation group, representing "a building that contributes to the historic character of an area or streetscape, usually found in groupings of more than one building, but may also be of individual importance."

301 East Hastings, image by Forum contributor Roundabout

Despite its recognized heritage attributes, the temple is under imminent threat from redevelopment, with B.C. Housing announcing $83 million in funding for four affordable housing developments in the neighbourhood. If plans move forward, the local Moderne landmark would meet the wrecking ball. The scheme dovetails with similar intensification proposals at the corner — redevelopment has also been lodged at the southeast corner, currently home to First United Church, while a new non-market housing building nears completion at 288 East Hastings.

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