Chinatown: the freeway didn’t kill it but the zoning just might…

10/11/201610/11/2016 John AtkinLeave a comment

Declared a provincial historic area in the 1970s and a national historic district in 2011, Chinatown is recognized for its significant contribution to British Columbia and Canada. The Chinatown Gate, spanning Pender west of Carrall Street, welcomes visitors and Vancouverites to the district. The never ending parade of tour busses in the summer months attest… Continue reading Chinatown: the freeway didn’t kill it but the zoning just might…

Chinatown · History · urban design · Vancouver

Around and Around We Go…

26/05/201626/05/2016 John Atkin1 Comment

Sometimes the third time isn’t lucky. The Beedie Group has revamped their proposed tower at 105 Keefer yet again. But they really haven’t learned much in the intervening months since pulling their previous design. If you are going to build on the edge of a nationally significant community, it pays to understand the place and… Continue reading Around and Around We Go…

Chinatown · History · urban design · Vancouver

Sawmills & Opera Houses

04/04/2016 John AtkinLeave a comment

Very pleased that the exhibit is up and looking good (if I may say so myself) in the Hall of One Hundred Rivers at the Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden

Chinatown · History · In The Background · Vancouver

In the Background, Under the Arch

09/03/201602/05/2016 John AtkinLeave a comment

In 1912, Vancouver welcomed the Duke and Duchess of Connaught with a series of ceremonial arches across streets on the processional route the couple would take on their tour of the city. Chinatown welcomed the visitors with this arch over Pender Street at Carrall. What’s of interest is not the arch itself but what can… Continue reading In the Background, Under the Arch

Chinatown · History · urban design · Vancouver

Good Intent & Design Fail in Chinatown

07/01/201608/01/2016 John Atkin1 Comment

Inserting new structures into older urban environments can be tricky. The rhythm of the street and its storefronts, sidewalk width, building height etc. all play a role in the success of any new building. But then, despite the best of intentions from the planners it fails at a certain level. The Keefer Block at the corner… Continue reading Good Intent & Design Fail in Chinatown

Chinatown · History · Vancouver

An Unexpected Find

27/03/201520/04/2015 John AtkinLeave a comment

This rather sad looking building on Franklin Street near Woodland Drive was once something quite wonderful and unexpected. However, looking at it in this Google Street view, it is clear that whatever renovations have taken place over the years haven’t been very successful and that there’s something missing. It’s not well known but Franklin Street… Continue reading An Unexpected Find

Awards · Chinatown · History · Vancouver

Jean Barman, Chinese Food & Prizes! What an Evening…

17/02/201518/02/2015 John Atkin2 Comments

April 11th. 6:00pm Fraser Court Restaurant, 3489 Fraser St. It’s that time of the year again for the Chinese Canadian Historical Society of BC’s Annual Banquet! The 10th Anniversary edition is honouring historian, and founding CCHSBC director, Jean Barman for her contributions to Chinese Canadian history. She’ll be feted by comedy troupe Assaulted Fish, Jan… Continue reading Jean Barman, Chinese Food & Prizes! What an Evening…

Chinatown · History · urban design · Vancouver

Shanghai Alley on a Summer Afternoon

11/02/2015 John AtkinLeave a comment

Here’s a screen grab from the fabulous 1956 CBC film Summer Afternoon which follows two boys around Chinatown. There are many great images of a long gone landscape. In a brief segment the two are seen climbing over the gates to Canton Alley and then wander down Shanghai Alley. There are very few good images… Continue reading Shanghai Alley on a Summer Afternoon

Chinatown · History · urban design · Vancouver

Property Values Rise Rapidly in Chinatown (1906 version)

21/01/201521/01/2015 John AtkinLeave a comment

Somethings never change… In 1906 rising property values in Chinatown were forcing smaller businesses out and the community began to think about purchasing property elsewhere in the city to move the Chinese business district to. Here’s the 1906 article.

Chinatown · History · Vancouver

Oh, Just A Little Bit of Change…

24/12/201424/12/2014 John Atkin2 Comments

At the foot of Keefer Street in 1913 you would have been confronted with the smell, dirt and dust of the Vancouver Gas Company’s coal gas plant. The street was nothing more than a dirt track from Main Street to the edge of False Creek. There was no Columbia Street south of Pender Street, just… Continue reading Oh, Just A Little Bit of Change…

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Category: Chinatown

Chinatown: the freeway didn’t kill it but the zoning just might…

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Around and Around We Go…

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Sawmills & Opera Houses

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In the Background, Under the Arch

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Good Intent & Design Fail in Chinatown

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An Unexpected Find

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Jean Barman, Chinese Food & Prizes! What an Evening…

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Shanghai Alley on a Summer Afternoon

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Property Values Rise Rapidly in Chinatown (1906 version)

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Oh, Just A Little Bit of Change…

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