Chinatown · History · urban design · Vancouver

Hotel Mayo, Keefer and Main

Here’s a shot of the corner of Main and Keefer showing the Hotel Mayo. The corner building dates from the 1890s and its neighbour is probably of the same era. This Vancouver Archives photo (CVA 447-308) shows both buildings before they were pretty much demolished and rebuilt as one structure using the original bricks which… Continue reading Hotel Mayo, Keefer and Main

History · In The Background · Vancouver

This is why I love the Archives…

The Vancouver Archives full resolution images are great. It makes for all sorts of discoveries. Here’s 132 W. Hastings and the detail. The photographer and his camera set on a tripod are visible in the reflection.  

Chinatown · History · Vancouver

Dupont (Pender) Street

In the background of this photograph of the Glasgow Hotel from the Vancouver Archives (#HOT-P84) taken in1891, is one of the only views of the houses that once lined Pender. Until 1906 this was also part of the city’s restricted district, the polite term for the red light district.

History · urban design · Vancouver

Strathcona’s Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church Needs Your Help

“The majestic and ornate interior of our church has been lovingly maintained over many years by the members of our parish community, never asking for outside help. Presently, the outside of our church building, known by some as a neighborhood “onion domed jewel”, has come to a state of dire need. Given the constant changes… Continue reading Strathcona’s Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church Needs Your Help

History · urban design · Vancouver · walking tours

Walking Tour with Andy and John

Recent Projects in the Eastern Downtown On this walk John and Andy will take a look at a few of the new additions to the Gastown, Chinatown and Hastings Corridor. On the walk you’ll discover some interesting and contemporary restoration/renovation projects, new residential infill and a couple of surprises. Meet at the NW corner of… Continue reading Walking Tour with Andy and John

History · urban design · Vancouver

A House From A Book

On the 30th of October, at 7:00pm I am presenting a talk Catalogue Shopping for Houses at Hycroft. It’s part of the Vancouver Heritage Foundation’s Fall lecture series. Here’s their write up: Many early homes in Vancouver were bought from housing catalogues, then shipped as kits to a buyer’s house site where a buyer could… Continue reading A House From A Book

Cemetery · History · Vancouver

A Little Side Project: Interesting Mountain View

I was quite taken aback at how much of Mountain View’s website was lost with the City of Vancouver’s launch of their new website. So I’ve decided to post the write ups of interesting individuals, fallen firemen and other information on Interesting Mountain View so that it is still available to the public. There are… Continue reading A Little Side Project: Interesting Mountain View