A.R.Williams Machinery

This 1909 building was constructed specifically for the A.R. Williams firm, which bought, sold and repaired machinery in shops throughout the country. At one time it was the largest company of its kind in Canada. Originally located in a small warehouse in Gastown, Williams built 495 Railway Street for $8,000 and flourished here for at least 50 years. It is now home to Bocci, makers of the ubiquitous glass globes used in lighting projects around the world. (1920 photograph from Vancouver City Archives).