By Eric Wilkins, Staff Writer
The Sears building at West Georgia and Granville Street has been called many things in its lifetime. None of them complimentary, though. And now, with news that Nordstrom is taking over, esteemed Vancouver architect, James Cheng has been recruited to eliminate any and all traces of the structure’s existence.
While many are rejoicing at the thought of replacing an eyesore with a fancy schmancy new look, I find myself a bit disappointed. It’s true that the white behemoth has never been an attractive sight, but does that really matter? It’s unique. It stands out. You remember it from the first time you clap eyes on it. Bring it up in conversation and everyone knows what you’re talking about. Like it or not, it’s a Vancouver landmark. And what are we trading it in for? A spick and span glass structure. Well, gee whiz. That’s sure to stand out in our heavily glass-deficient downtown area.
You can’t buy character. Much like spunk, you either got it, or you don’t. The mock-ups I’ve seen of the new design are, for lack of a better word, nice. It’s pleasant. It’s fine. It doesn’t really stand out, though. It’s (sorry, James) basically just another massive window.
People like to call Vancouver a beautiful city. I tend to agree. It is also said that the Sears building is a blemish. Also true, to an extent. From these two points, many have come to the consensus that the city would be more beautiful without it. And it is there that I have to disagree. To elaborate, many see worms as disgusting. But, stick a cockroach beside a worm, and suddenly you don’t mind what you started off with. Bad example. However, while the urinal may not be the most aesthetically-pleasing sight, it sure does make everything else look pretty darn good. Just like the struggles in life make us appreciate the good times, the eyesores make us appreciate the beauty.
Last but not least in considering what we’re losing here, is the history. You really don’t need to go far back in order to find something relevant. Remember walking down Robson Street during the Olympics? Flags everywhere, the anthem being sung at will, and patriotism at its overall finest. What was flanking you as you walked? The Sears building. Sometimes I still get a little sentimental walking by and remembering the good times. And now, I’ll never be able to picture it quite the same again. My memories will be reduced to just that: memories.
You don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone.
