666 Alexander

In the early 1900s this street in Strathcona was known as Vancouver's red light district. Some of the buildings, such as this one, were expressly built for the purpose of prostitution. Being a stone's throw from the dockyards, business was very good, for a few years anyway. By 1918 most of the madams had left the area for parts unknown. Although much of historic Strathcona is being preserved and protected with heritage-friendly zoning, this area north of Hastings is still at risk of demolition and redevelopment. Trivia: In 1913, William Morrison spent 30 days in jail for playing a piano in 666 Alexander.