Hanning House

Constructed in 1912-1913, the Hanning House at 1826 Blanca Street was designed by the prominent and early architectural firm of Sharp & Thompson and contributes to the architectural heritage of Point Grey. Its massing and detailing are typical of the English Arts and Crafts style with its half-timbering and complex roof forms. Sharp & Thompson’s firm was in business from 1908-1990, making it the longest operating architecture firm in the city’s history. Sharp & Thompson are known for designing a number of Tudor Revival mansions in Shaughnessy, as well as the Vancouver Club and several of the early buildings at the University of British Columbia’s Point Grey campus.

John Cowdry had 1826 Blanca St. built for his daughter Mary, who lived in the house with her husband Henry Hanning, a time-keeper for Armstrong Morrison Paving Company on Granville Street. The house features seven bedrooms, four fireplaces, wood paneling, a built-in buffet and glass fronted cabinets.

Slated for demolition in 2003, the Hanning House was saved through a last minute resale to a new owner. The City of Vancouver granted permission for the lot to be subdivided and reoriented, and a two-family infill in complementary style was built on the south side of the lot, while the main house was lifted two feet to accommodate a basement suite.

These changes were made as part of a Heritage Revitalization Agreement with the City. The main house’s interior has been renovated to suit modern living while maintaining and adapting the well-designed original spaces. The half-timbering and stucco of the exterior were returned to their original colours and the wrap-around view porch and second storey sleeping porch with sliding side panels were also restored. The owner carefully restored the original fireplace tiles and all the mahogany woodwork in the house. The old front doorway was retained.

The house was a stop on the 2006 VHF Open Vancouver Heritage House Tour, as well as the 2018 VHF Heritage House Tour.

Source

Canada's Historic Places, BC MOMO website, Vancouver Heritage Foundation 2018 Heritage House Tour guidebook, Vancouver Heritage Foundation 2006 Heritage House Tour guidebook

More information

http://www.historicplaces.ca/en/rep-reg/place-lieu.aspx?id=10921&pid=0