Post #663818 by Sweet Daddy Tiki on Fri, Jan 11, 2013 11:37 PM

The most recent press release on the Waldorf's Website:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 11, 2013, Vancouver, British Columbia:

The Waldorf creative team is looking for a solution.

“The tremendous outpouring of support we’ve received from the public has been both humbling and overwhelming,” says the Waldorf creative team’s Ernesto Gomez. On Twitter, #Waldorf has been trending across Canada and independently-started online petitions have amassed over 11,000 signatures.

“At present time we are working with Mayor Robertson and the City of Vancouver to protect the Waldorf Hotel,” says Gomez. The City Manager will present a report at this Tuesday’s council meeting that would preserve its heritage values and prevent any demolition of the building. Steps are being taken to allow Waldorf Productions to continue running an arts and culture venue in Vancouver, whether it be in the current location, or, in the worst result, somewhere else.

Yesterday afternoon, Gerry Nichele, CEO of the Solterra Group released a statement regarding their recent agreement to purchase the Waldorf Hotel. To date, the Delta-based condominium developer has refused to meet with the Waldorf’s creative team.

In Solterra’s release, Nichele claims the company has “no intention of demolishing the Waldorf Hotel” and that they intend to work with the city to “improve the hotel.”

“The heritage preservation of the hotel is important to us but this massive public reaction is about the destruction of a beloved cultural institution. The creative community of Vancouver is galvanized in its overwhelming support for Waldorf Productions and its creative team,” says Gomez.

“We’re in it for the long haul,” he continues. “Sixty people have lost their jobs, countless artists, musicians, and independent entrepreneurs are being displaced and the city is losing one of its most beloved institutions. We are in discussions with the current landlord and we are hopeful that Solterra will respond to this watershed moment in a constructive manner.”

[followed by a series of quotes in support of the Waldorf]