One of Coquitlam's oldest homes could soon be getting a substantive facelift, along with a new set of neighbours.

Council passed the first reading of a heritage revitalization agreement Monday that would pave the way for Maison Velay, a 102-year-old home on Cartier Avenue, to be fully restored.

The agreement also calls for the development of two additional duplexes next to the historic Maillardville site.

The New Westminster-based firm Pattison Architecture has applied for the agreement, which, according to a staff report, sets out a number of stipulations to preserve the look and feel of the site in terms of the siding, chimney, porch, and roof, among other elements.

The foundation will also be raised by about 12 inches.

"This is one of the key heritage preservation tools that we have," said Jim McIntyre, the city's manager of planning and development, at Monday's council meeting.

"Basically it enables the property owner coming forward with some ideas and the city to start with a blank sheet of paper and come up with a plan that suits that site."

Under the terms of the agreement, the new buildings will have to be "designed to be sympathetic to the heritage house in terms of complementary architectural features and heritage colour schemes."

Built in 1910, the two-storey wood-framed house reflects the Classic Box or Edwardian Builder tradition, complete with symmetrical and unadorned facades, medium-slope hip roofs and a full-width front porch.

The heritage revitalization agreement will be subject to a public hearing before council makes any final decisions regarding the property.

jkurucz@thenownews.com