Marpole
Masonic Hall sold; neon sign removed
By James Neufeld, Marpole Online Writer
Source - http://www.marpoleonline.com/
June 2013 — Pedestrians on Granville
Street in Marpole may have noticed an iconic vintage neon sign
no longer illuminating the sidewalk by The Yard at night.
Nigel Lutz, General Manager of The Yard
in Marpole, confirmed that the Marpole Masonic Hall building was
recently sold. The signature neon coat of arms was recently removed
as well.
Vancouver once had around 19,000 neon signs
but few remain.
According to Lutz, "membership for
the masons was in decline and they are downsizing." In recent
years, both the London Telegraph and USA Today have also reported
on declining membership in the organization.
The Yard and other retail businesses operate
on the street level of the buildling complex. Lutz said that the
new landlord is Lok Sing Developments Ltd. and that they will
be considering new tenants to lease the approximately 7,500 square
foot, assembly-zoned 2nd level space, and possibly re-face the
front of the entire building across from the Marpole Safeway redevelopment
project. |
