Oxford Properties have just received a development permit for their 420′ tall 35 storey office tower to squeeze between the Marine Building and the Guinness Tower. When we say squeeze, the model shows how accurate this is – the University Club on the site will see its facade preserved, and the tower soars above and… Continue reading Cool Tower
Spent sometime poking around Tosi’s with John Mackie of the Vancouver Sun. On the top shelf was this plaster plaque for the 1936 Golden Jubilee purchased by Tosi’s father Peter.
I’m often asked about how the 22 local areas the city uses in its planning came about. Here’s an interesting note fom the memorybc.ca website: “The United Community Services originated the Local Area Council approach to social planning in the City of Vancouver. The following year, the UCS and the City sought funding from the… Continue reading Research Note
From 1912: Vancouver is a well built city with a boulevarded residential area, the usual profusion of “five-cent shows,” and a tendency to overdo real estate shops. “Halifax to Vancouver” by B. Pullen-Burry, author of “Jamaica As It Is”
The City of Vancouver’s Heritage Foundation is looking for nominations for Places That Matter, a program to mark 125 places for the 125th birthday of Vancouver. Got a spot that you think matters? Then fill out the online nomination or visit the VPL Central branch on Saturday the 26th of February and do it in… Continue reading Is This One of the Top 125 Places That Matter in Vancouver?
On Feb 23, I’ll be leading the How to Research Your House evening at the Vancouver Archives presented by the Vancouver Heritage Foundation. Here’s your chance to learn the secrets of water permits, building permits and fire insurance maps; and touch really old documents. Archives staff will be on hand too to answer questions and… Continue reading How to Research Your House Workshop
January 27, 1897 British Colonist – “The usual permission to Chinese to celebrate their New Year has been refused by council owing no doubt to the anti Chinese wave which is sweeping over Vancouver.” At least some things do change. Update: Maybe not. The Quebec legislature voted to ban Sikhs from the building if they… Continue reading Miscellaneous Research Notes
Our new book, with Andy Coupland, The Changing City will introduce you to much of the recent development in Vancouver, some classic Modernism, and some of the heritage, in two formats. It is both an architectural guidebook and a walking tour. The tours cover 13 areas of the downtown and central area of the city,… Continue reading The Changing City is out and in bookstores
Chuck Davis passed away today and Vancouver has lost it’s biggest fan. Chuck always found delight in uncovering the obscure fact that helped bring that little extra to the story of the city. I’ll miss his emails filled with interesting photos, facts and trivia sent at all times of the day and night. And I’ll… Continue reading Chuck Davis 1935-2010
The sixth annual All Souls event at Mountain View Cemetery (39th and Fraser) is this weekend. Music, candles, shrines, fire and tea. The main event is Saturday, with the opening prayer at 6:00pm. Check vancouver.ca/cemetery for further details.
What Floats to the Top of My Desk 