What's New

Fuji Chop Suey
added January 06, 2021
Fuji Chop Suey
Possibly one of Vancouver's first fusion restaurants, Fuji Chop Suey straddled the boundary between Chinatown and Japantown. It was built in 1931 and operated until the early 1940s, when the property was confiscated and Japanese Canadians were forcibly removed from the Coast. In fact, the banquet room on the upper floor was used by the federal government to administer the uprooting of Japanese citizens, according to Audrey Kobayashi. After the war, Sunrise Market opened here, and the owners made small batches of tofu in the back. That small business blossomed over the years to become Sunrise Soya Foods, the largest manufacturer of tofu in Canada. 

Chinese Nationalist League Building
added January 05, 2021
Chinese Nationalist League Building
Located at the eastern edge of Chinatown, the The Chinese Nationalist League or Kuomintang (KMT) built their Western Canadian headquarters here in 1920. The KMT ruled China from 1927 until the communist takeover in 1948. The building is notable both for its architectural features as well as its cultural value

Clarence Hotel
added January 05, 2021
Clarence Hotel
The Clarence was built in 1894 by the Marquis of Queensberry, who owned other properties in the area. It has changed hands (and appearances) many times over the years. The arched entrance and cornices are long gone, and its rugged exterior stands in sharp contrast to the gleaming towers nearby. But when you've managed to survive for over 120 years you can wear that grime with pride. Today it's a thriving sports bar with a hostel in the upper rooms.  

Rexmere Rooms
added January 04, 2021
Rexmere Rooms
Built in 1913 at a cost of $50,000 during the construction boom of the early 20th century, it has somehow managed to survive the wrecking ball long enough to get a Heritage Designation from the City.  Notice the pre-1900 era house to the left, on what is now one of Vancouver's busiest commercial city streets. 

Arts & Crafts Building
added January 04, 2021
Arts & Crafts Building
One of the oldest office buildings in downtown Vancouver, the Arts & Crafts Building had only three storeys in 1911. Three more were added in 1927. Fortunately the original design has been preserved over the years.  It was originally built for a printing company, and has had many commercial tenants since then. Recently a proposal was made to transform it into an apartment hotel. 

West End
added December 30, 2020
West End
A Fred Herzog image that captures a slice of life in 1964 Vancouver. These images were taken on the roof of the English Bay Bathhouse, with the Sylvia Hotel in the background. Image courtesy of the Equinox Gallery.

Florence Court
added December 29, 2020
Florence Court
Built in 1909, Florence Court (now called the Banff) is one of the oldest apartment buildings in Coal Harbour. Buildings like this once lined Georgia Street from Thurlow to Stanley Park.  

Denman Street
added December 29, 2020
Denman Street
The West End was a primarily a residential neighbourhood back in the day, populated by single family houses, even along busy streets like Denman. Today of course, Denman Street is mostly restaurants, but some  houses remain, if you look closely.

Hollow Tree, Stanley Park
added December 23, 2020
Hollow Tree, Stanley Park
At the turn of the last century there was very little to do in Vancouver. The hollow tree was the City's first tourist attraction, and visitors were often taken here to be photographed. There are hundreds of pictures like this in the city archives.  

Holden Block
added December 22, 2020
Holden Block
This 1936 photo shows the Holden Building all decked out for Vancouver's 50th birthday. It was built in 1911 and served as City Hall from 1924 to 1936. The office building was converted to residential units for local seniors in 1988, and is now called the Tellier Tower. Notice the sign for the 'Don't Argue' Coffee Shop next door, neighbour to the famous 'Only' Seafood restaurant, which lived there from 1916 until 2009. These buildings, along with the Woods Hotel to the west, form a rich treasure trove of Vancouver's heritage.

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