Pendray House, which dates back almost a century, is in line to receive heritage building status from the City of Colwood.

The building sits on the Esquimalt Lagoon shoreline within the Pacific Landing development, which includes three oceanfront buildings, housing 33 condominiums.

The remainder of the proposed development, first announced in 2015, has not yet been completed.

Pendray House had been earmarked to be repurposed as a restaurant while retaining its "heritage-defining architectural elements," explains Iain Bourhill, director of community planning, in a report to the city's Heritage Commission

"These plans have not yet been advanced, and the property is now in receivership and subject to a court-ordered sale," continues Bourhill in his report. "Therefore, staff are now recommending that a heritage preservation bylaw be adopted to protect the Pendray House."

While previous and current owners of the land have always committed to preserving the heritage values of Pendray House, Bourhill says the proposed heritage status will enshrine that commitment in a bylaw.

"So you could really look at this as an insurance policy for the community, relative to making sure those commitments continue on, irrespective of who owns the property," said Bourhill at the Heritage Commission meeting on Nov. 14.

Once approved, Pendray House will be the third building to receive heritage status.

The two other buildings with heritage designation in Colwood are St. John the Baptist Heritage Church (1913) and the Colwood Dairy and Cheese House (1852) on Goldstream Avenue.

The history of Pendray House dates back to 1925, when Herbert and Charlotte Pendray purchased the site, commencing construction of the Mediterranean-style villa. It was completed in 1927.

Previous uses of the building include home to the Coast Collective Art Centre. It is currently used as an amenity space by members of the strata.

The proposed heritage designation bylaw for Pendray House received its first two readings at a council meeting on Monday (Nov. 25).

A public hearing will now be scheduled, as per legislative requirements, before council makes a final decision.