A Mission, A Baron, A Doctor

I hope you aren't tired of Abbott Street since I have a few more places to look at from that same block.

In a previous post I mentioned the Central City Mission which was residing in the Hickey Block for a short term while the mission waited for its building to be built. This is the Central Mission Building which was built directly across the street from the Hickey Block . Building dates listed are 1910 to 1911.

At the beginning of the twentieth century there was rampant unemployment, labour unrest and violent anti-Asiatic riots. There was a need for assistance in the changing economic and labour times so in 1908 local citizens answered that need by organizing the mission which was incorporated in 1909.

The mission's goal was to supply food and lodging to local destitute men. In 1910 construction on this Edwardian-era building began. During the construction it had to be tripled in size due to the worsening economic conditions. When it was finished, this was the largest facility of its type west of Toronto.

This six storey plus lower level is an early surviving design by architect William Frederick Gardiner, who had a long and prolific career, and an early project by Dominion Construction Ltd, which went on to become one of Vancouver's most prominent construction firms.

The Hotel Winters is at the corner of Abbot and Water Streets. Built in 1907, it is a massive Edwardian era masonry hotel.

As with many of the buildings I have featured this hotel had combined functions of retail and/or commericial services on the ground floor and rooms on the upper levels.

This shows the alley between the Central City Mission Building and the Hotel Winters.

This building demonstrates the influence of the Chicago School. Popular architectural styles were used in the hotel business to market a progressive image.

The Hotel Winters was designed by William Tuff Whiteway, the architect who was responsible for the Woodward's Department Store, and the Sun Tower - once the tallest commerical building in the British Empire (1912).

This is the hotel from the Water Street side.

A block south on Abbott Street is a hotel that was originally known as the Travellers Hotel.  When the Hotel Metropole across the street was demolished to make room for the Woodward's Building, the owners of the Travellers Hotel took the Metropole name. I don't think I've covered this one before but if I have, I apologize.

Built in 1910 it is a five storey, classically inspired commercial building. And another Edwardian era structure that was designed by William Tuff Whiteway. The contractor was J.M. McLuckie, a name I've mentioned before, and the hotel was originally an investment property owned by Dr. Robert Clarke Boyle - a prominent physician and surgeon and president of the Vancouver Medical Association.

In the 1930s the original storefronts were altered. Gothic inspired entry doors and sidelights were inserted which reflected a popular design that appeared between the two world wars. It was also indicative of a change in the liquor policy. Drinking establishments such as this one now turned inwards and were no longer allowed to have open windows to the streets.

Now we will walk north again. Not far, I promise. A block to West Cordova and Abbott Streets.

This is 81 West Cordova Street, originally named The Atlantic Furnished Rooms. Built in 1906 this Edwardian era two storey masonry building is notable for a few reasons. One is that it represents hotels that were quickly built after a liquor licensing law passed on July 1, 1906 prohibited free-standing saloons.

Seeing potential in this new city,  Baron and Marquis James Canby Cyprian DeBiddle Cope purchased the land as holding property in 1890. When the building was constructed there was a new optimism for Western Canada's growth based on the proposed completion of the Panama Canal.

The Atlantic Furnished Rooms is representative of the transition between the decorative style of late Victorian and the simple classic influences of the Edwardian eras with its segmental arched windows and elaborate cornice.

I hope you find the beauty around you.

TAGS:Vancouver, Karen Magill, William Tuff Whiteway, Abbott Street,Dr.Robert Clarke Boyle,J.M. McLuckie,history,