![\"Union](\"https:\/\/www.livabl.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Union-heritage.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nMixing antique and modern elements has become the trademark of some builders, but what happens when you want to include a historic farmhouse from 1896 as part of your community?<\/p>\n
Union<\/a> is taking on that challenge during the creation of its development. The townhome community by Garcha<\/a> will be located in Langley, B.C. and the restored Parry-Evans residence from 1896 will be included, in addition to the 99 units that will make up the neighbourhood.<\/p>\n Livabl<\/em> spoke to the president of Garcha, Justin Garcha,\u00a0about Union<\/a>, the Parry-Evans residence and the challenges Garcha is undertaking.<\/p>\n How did Garcha get involved with the Parry-Evans residence conservation project?<\/strong> The house was relocated to a corner portion of the development site. What did that involve? What were the challenges?<\/strong> How will the house be incorporated into the development? Is it going to be used for a specific purpose?<\/strong> How important is it to the community of Willoughby to preserve and restore homes such as these? What has the reaction been like?<\/strong> What\u2019s especially unique or unexpected about Union homes?<\/strong>
\nAt the outset of the project we had purchased the property directly from the Parry-Evans family. It was a good fit for our project since the property is a family farmhouse with historic roots. As a homebuilder we are catering to building a family friendly home.<\/p>\n
\nRelocation was definitely a challenge. It involved bringing on a structural transport company to first lift up the house, and then take it to its final resting place. Ground conditions and lot grade differences make it a challenge when trying to move the house foot by foot, inch by inch, but it is part of the scope.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
\nThe home will be nestled next to a greenway with pedestrian access and rest on its own fee simple lot [with separate legal property and title]. Access will be through the same entrance as the townhome community. It is not being used for a specific purpose, but will be revitalized and later sold to a home buyer.<\/p>\n
\nReaction has been very positive. The community values the historical artifacts that still exist in the township.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
\nThese are larger, very livable homes for a family to grow into. Most features that are normally found in a single family home can be found with Union<\/a> homes, such as forced air, gas heat, instant hot water, a gas cooktop and barbecue, recessed lighting, spacious interiors with natural light, side-by-side garage parking with storage, private rear yards and much more.<\/p>\n