Overview
Address
1101 Nicola St, Vancouver BC
Neighbourhood
West End
type
Residential
grants
VHF Restore It 2015
Protection & Recognition
- M: Municipal Protection
Description
This Spanish Colonial Revival building is a well-preserved and restored example of early densification in the neighbourhood. Completed in 1927-28 by Dominion Construction, it was marketed as a high-end “apartment-hotel” with live-in manager, maid service, and the latest in décor and conveniences. Converted to strata-owned condominiums in the 1970s, most of the apartments retain their layout and historic character. Harry (H.H.) Stevens, a prominent and controversial politician and businessman in the 1920s and 30s was the president and owner of the Queen Charlotte Apartments Ltd. An early resident of the apartment-hotel was noted barrister Adam Smith Johnston.
The Queen Charlotte became a designated heritage building in 1997, listed in the ‘B’ evaluation category on the Vancouver Heritage register. It has been well cared for, including restoration of the distinctive exterior lights with the assistance of a Restore It grant from Vancouver Heritage Foundation.
Large Mission style gables, projecting eaves with roof tiles, and original wood windows with divided lights in the upper sash contribute to the building’s heritage value. The building is symmetrical in its massing, has an elaborate two-storey arched main entry, and is a well-known landmark in the West End. There are also several notable original interior features including a Turnbull elevator from when the building was constructed, art deco detailing in the lobby, stair banisters and metal light fittings, original wood floors in public areas and original wood doors to each suite. The Queen Charlotte was a stop on Vancouver Heritage Foundation’s 2015 Heritage House Tour, and the 2018 West End Heritage Tour.
Source
City of Vancouver; VHF West End Heritage Tour 2018 Write Up; VHF Files; VHF 2015 Heritage House Tour Brochure
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