Brief History
The Lee Building is a major historic landmark in the centre of the Mount Pleasant community. Completed in 1912, the seven-storey building is Vancouver’s first Skyscraper. The building was originally owned and developed by Mount Pleasant businessman H.O. Lee, and it accommodates office, commercial and residential uses.

Problems & Solutions
During the eighties and early nineties, the building became a run-down, graffiti plagued eyesore. "We used to have the cops here 3 or 4 times everyday," says Louise, a resident and owner since 1994, "It was dragging the whole neighborhood down."

In a last bid to reclaim the building, apartment owners from the Lee Building entered into an agreement with Viacom Outdoor, which offered to utilize the buildings already-existing rooftop signage.

The Results
The proceeds generated from the large billboard high atop the roof of the Lee Building have gone directly into renovations, improvements and maintenance, which in turn have helped improve and support the community.

For example, the revenues generated by the sign allow the building to offer tenants lower rent. As a result, many low-income young artists and creative professionals can afford to live and work close to downtown Vancouver, and in turn contribute to the local atmosphere, businesses and the community of Mount Pleasant.

Additionally, the revenues from the sign have also afforded many young families and individuals to purchase their first home in the Lee Building, revitalizing a community with people who plan on staying in and contributing positively to the neighborhood.

Improvements
Improvements and repairs made possible by the billboard revenue include:

• Painting the exterior of the entire building
• The installation of a new boiler
• Extensive repair to & continuing maintenance of the elevator
• Installation of a new security intercom system
• Installation of new energy-efficient lighting throughout the building
• Resurfacing the hallway floors
• Repainting of the lobby, halls and doors in heritage colours
• Cleaning of the marble walls in the Lobby
• Recovering the stairwell leading up from the entrance to the second floor
• Refinishing the stairwell banisters
• Repairs to the roof

Awards
In September 2002, the Lee Building received a Mount Pleasant Legacy Award for its significant contribution to the historic legacy of the area.


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