What's New

This 1909 photo shows the inaugural run of the 4th Avenue line, which ran from the Granville Bridge to Alma Street. Vancouver had a pretty robust transit network in the early 1900s, consisting of streetcars like this one, as well as the BC Electric Railway's Interurban trains. You can see a map of the network in 1923 here. (1909 photo from Vancouver City Archives). 

The first Showboat was constructed in 1935 during the height of the Depression.  Run entirely by volunteers, the venue has been offering spectacular views and free entertainment every summer. The City condemned the building after a fire in April of 2023 destroyed most of the infrastructure. However, plans are now under way to rebuild it. (1967 photo from the Museum of Vancouver). 

This heritage building was constructed in 1910 at a cost of $35,000. (Undated photograph from UBC Library Open Collections).

Someone photographed Fred Tinck entering his hardware store in 1945. And here we are in the same spot, 78 years later. Tinck's store closed in 1951. New tenants moved in and changed the look . The only thing remaining is the tile roof, and the brick work on the columns that have been painted over a hundred times since. (1945 photo from Vancouver City Archives).

It seems like every old building I shoot these days is now either condos or a coffee shop. This 1915 heritage building is no exception. Originally constructed to house paper records for the CIBC, it now houses people who can afford to pay the $1,000,000 plus price tag to live there. The old photo is undated but it appears to have been taken just after the building was completed. (Undated photo courtesy of CIBC). 

The Salt Building was constructed in 1931 to process unrefined salt from San Francisco, which was used by the fishing industry to preserve their catch before refrigeration became commonplace. The dilapitated structure was restored prior to the 2010 Olympics, given a Heritage B status and currently enjoys life as a popular restaurant. (1933 Stuart Thompson photo from Vancouver City Archives.)

This heritage building in Gastown was constructed in 1906 for $10,000. It still retains many of its original post and beam details. It's been in continuous use for over 100 years, initially housing importers of liquor and cigars, and later wholesalers of dry goods and produce. Today the street level is occupied by a clothing company, and office space in the upper floors. (1924 photo from Vancouver Photo Archives).

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).

This 1911 photo shows a couple walking on Waterloo Street toward the streetcar line on 4th Avenue.
(1911 photo from Vancouver photo Archives).

This 1927 apartment building at 1311 Beach Ave was designed by Townley and Matheson. Although its unique look stands out in the West End neighbourhood, the Tudor affectations are really just an added cosmetic design to an otherwise bland apartment block. A  post-modern tower was added in the late 1980s and the interior was extensively remodeled, retaining the exterior facade. Nowadays a luxury unit in this building will run you about $1,300 per square foot. (1928 photo from Vancouver City Archives).