Kamloops, B.C.: earlier this spring, Kelson Group hosted an information session to provide the community with updated details on the proposed City Gardens development. The online information session shared updated designs, project timelines, and changes made to the initially released plans based on community feedback. An area of concern voiced at the session and through Kelson Group’s survey was around what would happen to the old houses on the 400 block of Nicola Street and 500 block of Battle Street. Kelson Group is pleased to share that they are working in collaboration with Nickel Bros House Moving Ltd., a company which has been in business for over 60 years and provides trusted house moving services throughout the Pacific Northwest.
“With our development permit for City Gardens now submitted and our goal of breaking ground in early 2022, our collaboration with Nickel Bros is a good news story for our development,” said Jason Fawcett, President, Kelson Group. “For those interested in acquiring one of the houses we will remove in advance of starting our groundwork for City Gardens, Nickel Bros has the extensive experience required to move the houses available for purchase over the coming months.”
In total, 20 houses will be removed with 12 identified as ones that could potentially be moved to other locations. The remaining eight that cannot be moved will have as much salvageable materials removed and re-purposed as well as documented with expert guidance from the Kamloops Museum & Archives and members of the Kamloops Heritage Commission.
Fawcett adds, “In our desire to find the right homeowner with the right location for these houses, Kelson Group will work closely with Nickel Bros to minimize or reduce the costs of saving each house for those who are interested in making a purchase.”
Jeremy Nickel, one of the partners of Nickel Bros House Moving, is also pleased to be involved in the project with Kelson Group.
“Some of the older and historic buildings we have lifted and transported over the years have been as old as 200 years—everything from Victorian or craftsman masterpieces, to small, yet treasured neighbourhood bungalows,” said Nickel.
Because of the extensive due diligence and planning work required with moving a house, Nickel is quick to caution people before they get too excited about purchasing one of these houses.
“Even though prices for these particular houses start as low as $75,000 with the move, we always want to be realistic with people,” said Nickel. “These are used homes and will require work, but even before those considerations, there are many requirements that come into play such as the proximity, location, and the route to get to the house’s new destination to take into account. Once we have those details ironed out and the deal is done, saving a house from demolition is exciting, and our hard-working team gets to work.”
Houses available to be purchased and relocated are:
- 520 5th Avenue
- 530 5th Avenue
- 576 5th Avenue
- 420 Nicola Street
- 430 Nicola Street
- 435 Nicola Street
- 443 Nicola Street
- 461 Nicola Street
- 469 Nicola Street
- 435 Battle Street
- 451 Battle Street
- 461 Battle Street
For those interested in learning more, visit the Nickel Bros website. Deadline to finalize a sale is November 30, 2021.
“We are excited to see what kind of interest is there from homeowners, societies, municipalities, and others for these houses,” said Fawcett. “Together, Kelson Group and Nickel Bros are committed to ensuring we make this process as smooth as possible.”
To arrange an interview with Jason Fawcett of Kelson Group contact:
Aleece Laird | Communications + Public Relations | aleece@amplifyinc.ca | 250.574.0221
