What's New

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.

A street scene from 1899. Some of the buildings are still standing, including the one on the far left. The neighbourhood is slowly becoming gentrified, led as usual by trendy furniture stores and coffee shops.   

The home of local businessman and politician William Banfield.

This is one of the few Shaughnessy homes I could find that can still be seen from the street. So many others are hidden behind giant hedges and trees. 

I vaguely remember this eye-catching sign advertising photo finishing services on Broadway in Mount Pleasant. Not a huge demand for film processing these days. 

Lansair Automotive Parts is long gone, replaced by a coffee shop that sells experimental beers. Or something. I don't know. Their website is so hip I can't understand it. 

The Shatford House is one of the original estates on this picturesque street that surrounds one of the prettiest parks in the city.  

The heritage-designated front facade has been retained, but nothing else remains of this 1926 structure. Image courtesy of http://www.alexmorrison.org/

Originally built in 1927, this UBC area apartment complex continues to offer housing for out of town students and faculty.  

The neighborhood must have smelled like Butter-Krust bread back in the day. The building is almost unrecognizable now, having undergone extensive renovations and additions. Further changes are unavoidable, as a Skytrain station is going in across the street, bringing with it inevitable high rises and fast food joints.