VAG

Located on Georgia Street is this imposing neo classical building. It was designed by Francis Rattenbury who was also responsible for the design of the Empress Hotel and the British Columbia Parliament Buildings in Victoria.

It was during a dramatic period of growth for Vancouver that this structure was built. Construction took place during 1907 and 1911.

As you can see, this design contains such features as ornate stonework and iconic columns. The marble used was imported from Alaska, Vermont and Tennessee. 

The building replaced the courthouse at Victory Square and contained 18 courtrooms. It was here that Joe Gordon stood trial for the murder of the 1955 murder of police Constable Gordon Sinclair. Gordon was found guilty and sentenced to hang at Oakalla Prison. The last trial was held here in 1979 and the art gallery moved in in 1983. 

An annex built on the Western side of the building was designed by Thomas Hooper and added in 1912. It is not converted to the art gallery and retains the original judges' bench and walls just like when it was a courthouse. That I would like to see.

On the Georgia side of the street is the Centennial Fountain. This fountain was installed in 1966 to commemorate the centennial of the union of Vancouver Island and British Columbia.

On sunny days you can see people sitting around the fountain, enjoying a break from the day's stresses. They also sprawl on the stairs leading to the gallery and soak in the rays.

The Vancouver Art Gallery is located between Robson and Georgia Streetsand between Hornby and Howe Streets. Walk along Hornby and there is a memorial to King George VII.

This monument was erected in 1912.

The art gallery has 41,400 square feet (3,850 m2) of exhibition space and about 10,000 works in its collection. Among those are an Emily Carr collection and a significant amount of photographs. And although this sounds like a lot of room the art gallery will be moving. Probably in 2013. I hope that another great use will be found for this building.

While walking around the gallery I noticed a customer trying to get in to see the exhibit.

The fine reputation of the gallery has spread to all. The Vancouver Art Gallery is in a building that is an iconic  landmark and  is enjoyed by Vancourites and visitors alike.

When I wrote on the Hotel Vancouver I missed one of the entrances.

Isn't it regal looking?

Across the street, on Georgia, is the Hotel Georgia.

This hotel was built in 1927 and designed by Robert T. Garrow and John Graham, Sr.

Some of the famous guests that have stayed here include Elvis Presley, the Prince of Wales (not Charles but Prince Edward who abdicated his throne to marry an American divorcee.), Errol Flynn who died while registered at the hotel but not in it, the Beatles, Louis Armstrong and others.
 
The hotel is currently undergoing renovations and is expected to unveil in 2011. It will be interesting to see how the architects combine the heritage designated interior and exterior with the new additions they are adding.
 
I hope you find the beauty around you.

TAGS:Vancouver, Karen Magill, Vancouver Art Gallery, Hotel Georgia,Emily Carr,King George VII,walk,history,

Sweet Georgia Part One

I walked along Georgia Street today - both east and west sides - and took photos of the many heritage and interesting things I saw. I have so many photos and stories that it will take more than one entry to get them all in. But let's get started with today's.

This is the Barker House located in the 800 block of East Georgia. It was built by C.D. Rand's Vancouver Improvement Company in 1893 -this company was responsible for a number of homes built in this area. This Victorian structure features decorative shingles on the gable and fretwork on the porch consoles.

The first owners of this house were Thomas and Davidena Barker. Thomas was a flour and feed merchant. However later William Barker resided in this home and William was  a bookbinder for G.A. Roedde, Vancouver's first printer and book binder.

The Randall Building on Georgia was built in 1929 for the brokerage firm S.W. Randall Company. This building is a prime example of the architecture of the city's downtown development during the Great Depression.Architect Richard T. Perry used brick cladding enriched by terra cotta paneling on the lower levels.

Sam Randall was also a thoroughbred race promoter who operated racetracks at Hastings Park and Lansdowne Park in Richmond.

In 1991 the building was rehabilitated and the owner, jeweller Toni Cavelti, had a penthouse added. The architects then were Blewett Dodd Ching Lee. The most interesting feature I found was the side of the building which I happened to spot while walking west on Georgia.

In 1887 the Hotel Vancouver opened at Georgia and Granville Streets. In 1916 it was replaced by a more lavish building. The one I am going to show you now is neither of those. This is the third Hotel Vancouver now located about a block or so west of the original location.

Construction on this Hotel Vancouver, the third one, began in 1928 and took eleven years to complete. On May 25, 1939 the hotel opened in time to welcome King George VI and Queen Elizabeth on their first Canadian tour.

The hotel is gorgeous and so regal. It has a lot of class, not only because of the appearance but also due to the friendliness of the staff. Thanks to Judy, the PR person, I was allowed to take a few photos of the interior.

These steps lead to the lounge area.

These are two chairs in the lounge area.

And this is an example of the detail if you look up. That and the incredible chandeliers in the front entrance.

An amusing fact I just learned is that the second Hotel Vancouver was torn down in 1948 to fulfill a promise the city had made to the developers of the present Hotel Vancouver. Apparently the second hotel was constructed in the grand Italianate revival style and considered one of the great hotels of the British Empire. The developers perceived that the former Hotel Vancouver would be too much of a rival since the new building wasn`t designed to be as lavish or impressive.

If the second Hotel Vancouver - which did serve as troop barracks in WWII - was more lavish and impressive than the present hotel I would love to have seen what it looked like!

There is so much more to say, more history on the Hotel Vancouver, more sites to talk about on Georgia Street but I know that I am running out of room. So next time.

I hope you find the beauty around you.

TAGS:Vancouver, Karen Magill, Randall Building, Barker House,Hotel Vancouver,sworld War II,walk,history,

Not Trying to Save Your Soul

Honestly I am not insinuating that anyone reading this needs to strengthen their belief in God or attend church more often or anything like that. It is just that many of historical, impressive buildings are churches. So that is what I am writing on.

Today I not only went inside the First Bapist Church on Burrard but I also was allowed to take photos. A very nice woman greeted me, answered questions and even chatted with me. Thanks for your time and information Sharon.

The land the church presently stands on was purchased in 1904 by the church. The initial cornerstone was laid in 1910 and the church was blessed in 1911.

The interior of the church was severely gutted due to a major fire in 1931. But, as you will see, the interior is now beautiful.

The attention to detail is astounding. In many ways this house of worship may seem quite plain to some - after all there are no shrines or statues - but it didn't the place didn't seem so simple to me. The elegance is in the details.

Just look at these stained glass windows.

And the light fixture in the front lobby adds to the atmosphere.

Next door the First Baptist Church is the Gothic Revival structure of St Andrews-Wesley Church, The United Church of Canada.

This church was built in 1933 and was constructed out of materials all from British Columbia. It is truly a BC masterpiece.

This church is a tribute to its two founding congregations - Wesley Methodist formerly located and the southewest corner of Georgia and Burrard as well as St. Andrews Presbyterian at Georgia and Richards. These two churches along with the Congregational Church united across the country in 1925 to become The United Church of Canada.

Sharon told me that there are windows inside that are etched instead of stained. I couldn't get in today but I will try another time.

Just to get away from religion for a moment and back to fun things.

Ini 1927 a vaudeville house designed by Scottish architect Marcus Priteca opened on Granville Street. The Orpheum was born.

When it opened it was the largest theatre in Canada with three thousand seats. It has gone through many names - Vancouver Theatre, Lyric, International Cinema and then the Lyric again. And we almost lost it. In 1969 it was closed for demolition to make way for the Pacific Centre. Famous Players had plans in 1973 to gut the inside and make it a cineplex. But concerned citizens of Vancouver fought to save their little theatre and Jack Benny even flew to Vancouver to show his support for the Orpheum. The city of Vancouver bought the theatre and closed it for renovations. Jim Pattison donated the neon sign and now it is home to the Vancouver Symphony.

Just up the street is the Vogue Theatre. Designed by architects Kaplan & Sprachman this theatre was completed in 1941 and represents the Art Deco/Art Moderne style of architecture.

I would really love to get inside this building and take photos. According to the research I am doing it has 1,144 seats, a black painted maple stage, curved balconies and ceilings. It sounds like it is absolutely breathtaking behind those walls. Maybe someday I can sneak in and take some visual records to show you.

Now we have seen some places of entertainment in addition to those of worship. Did you have fun?

I hope you find the beauty around you.

TAGS:Vancouver, Karen Magill, St. Andrews Wesley Church, First Baptist Church,Orpheum Theatre,Vogue Theatre,walk,history,