Kluckner: Displacement, Gentrification and Affordability

A startling example of gentrification is the duplex at 1033-1035 14th Ave E. – last assessed at $1,095,300.
The former little house was scraped and replaced by a duplex with units listed at $1,388,800.00 and $1,588,000.00. Without taxes this represents a $1,001.00 per sq/ft cost for the first; and $1,005.00 for the second.
Because these scrawny little units are three storey walkups, they each lose close to 250 sq/ft of living space to stairs. The size of the smaller unit shrinks to a paltry 1,138 sq/ft or $1,220.00 per sq/ft of usable space.
Is this desirable space?
The best thing about this listing is the 3D graphics – first I’ve seen – a Google experience. All listings should have this.
Consider the first floor – the open concept kitchen living room with the massive buzzing fridge whose main door faces away from the cook and the kitchen sink that has views of nothing. There is a good view of the toilet.
A huge faux pas is putting the toilet in the kitchen where it’s visible. It’s awkward for everyone. This unit has been professionally staged with the usual art, quilts, and glass kitchen table, but it doesn’t hide the fact that the place where people want to wee wee poo poo and wash up in peace is not private.
Treads must be rounded – it’s a simple job – get a router. Walking sharp angled steps like these is painful.
These skinny half-duplexes get little sunshine.
The property itself is not a prime desirable location and there are no views – it’s part of the Grandview Gully – barely above sea level.
Who buys this stuff?

Good lecture Michael.
Thank you.
Great artwork too. Impressive !! Will dive into the book “Vanishing Vancouver” next.