At least two online petitions are gaining steam in an effort to save east Vancouver's iconic Waldorf Hotel.
The popular hangout, which includes a hotel, restaurant, Tiki bar, nightclubs, recording studio and art gallery, will close by Jan. 20, managers announced on Wednesday. It has been purchased by Solterra, a condo development company, but plans for the hotel have not been revealed.
One of the petitions at Change.org asks Mayor Gregor Robertson to deny any re-zoning application to turn the site into condos. It had attracted more than 4,000 supporters in less than a day.
A second petition simply states "Save The Waldorf Hotel."
Solterra's CEO said that the company has an "open mind about the future of this site" and is "studying all the options." Gerry Nichele added that Solterra has "no intention of demolishing the Waldorf Hotel."
On Wednesday, Robertson tweeted that the city is "exploring ways to support the Waldorf continuing as one of Vancouver's most unique and vibrant cultural spaces."
