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Regina city council rejects developer's proposal to turn Cook Residence into condo complex

Carmen Lien had proposed keeping the original facade while renovating the interior and adding a large addition.

Carmen Lien had proposed keeping the original facade while renovating the interior and adding a large addition

Heidi Atter · CBC News ·
A concept illustration was submitted to the City of Regina by the property owner of what the 16-unit condo building would look like. (City of Regina)

A Regina developer has been denied permission to turn the Cook Residence into a 16-unit condo complex. 

At a special meeting on the project Thursday, Regina city council voted 9-0 to deny the proposal. Couns. Jason Mancinelli and Landon Mohl were not in attendance.

Carmen Lien is the building's owner. After buying the house in 2018, he applied for a demolition permit. A review then declared the home a municipal heritage property.

Lien's proposal was to keep the existing front of the building facing Albert Street and remove a sunroom to the south. The building would be moved so that a new foundation and underground garage could be built, then placed back on the new foundation.

A concept image submitted to the City of Regina by the Cook Residence's owner Carmen Lien shows what the addition of a 16-unit condo building would look like on the property. (City of Regina)

Lien also planned to develop the back and south part of the building with new additions to create 16 units and three different entries. There would be 24 parking stalls underground and 10 above ground. The development would have included two low-cost units, priced near $325,000, and the rest slightly above that cost, Lien said.

"I've met every policy or we would not be here today." Lien told city council.  "Our project is as respectful to the neighbourhood as possible.... It is unlikely that this house will ever be a single-family dwelling."

City administration said that while the zoning approval itself would fit with the city's Official Community Plan, the actual proposal would not, as it would be a significant change to a heritage property. 

"The proposal does not sufficiently demonstrate compatibility with the surrounding built environment and administration's position is that the proposal is not consistent with the established character of the area and streetscape along the west side of Albert Street," the administration's report said.

Mayor Sandra Masters suggested the market principle of "buyer beware" should apply to Lien this case.

The Architectural Heritage Society of Saskatchewan submitted images of the current interior of the Cook Residence to the City of Regina, including the kitchen and staircase. (City of Regina)

He said he knew the risks purchasing the site for his project.

Nonetheless, "I feel like I'd done my due diligence," he said.

He added he was aware the city has a policy that encourages heritage conservation where possible, "and we are trying our best." 

Lien said if the proposal was denied, selling would be his strongest option going forward. 

"Mr. Lien's proposal would drive a stake through the heart of our heritage bylaw which is meant to protect our past," Coun. Bob Hawkins said.

"Our city's heritage cradles the soul of our city. Any city that ignores its heritage has no future," the Ward 2 councillor said. "Our community and our neighbourhoods would be seriously diminished. We have a duty to protect that heritage."

The Architectural Heritage Society of Saskatchewan submitted images of the current interior of the Cook Residence to the City of Regina. (City of Regina)
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