Published
Thu, Jan 10, 2013, 12:10
- The venerated Vancouver venue will close its doors on January 20th after being purchased by redevelopers.
The Waldorf Hotel will close its doors on January 20th.
Open since 1947, the hotel in the heart of East Vancouver's industrial district served as both a place of lodging and a bar for the neighbourhood workers. In 2010, after years of decay and dilapidation, the hotel was renovated and reopened as a culture and arts venue, featuring several rooms for music, a restaurant, and a recording studio. Since its reopening, the Waldorf has hosted regular club nights, the New Forms Festival and a number of other arts-related events, exhibitions and film screenings.
According to the Waldorf's official website, the landlord sold the property to a condo developer, who has ordered the land vacant by January 20th. All events after that date have been cancelled, but those prior to the 20th will go ahead as planned. As for the future of the property, Vancouver mayor Gregor Robertson has expressed his support for what he called a "great culture hub," also noting that the land still has to be rezoned for condos at the discretion of his city council.