Phoenix Hotel

This building was built in 1908 to plans by architect Henry B. Watson for V.W. Haywood. It was originally called the Empress Hotel and also housed Empress Shaving. The use of the main floor for a barbershop continued until the 1930s.

In 1912, this building was connected to the new building constructed to the west next door at 235 East Hastings Street. The new building assumed the name ‘Hotel Empress’, while this building became known as the ‘Old Hotel Empress’.

There were several changes of name during the 1940s to 1970s, when it became the Phoenix Hotel. It is currently the home of the Toi Shan Benevolent Society, who provides apartments to members of the Chinese community.

The City of Vancouver’s Matching Grants Program for Chinatown Not-for Profit Societies is helping to repair the building’s envelope and repair much needed interior and exterior structural components.

Source

Canada's Historic Places

More information

http://www.historicplaces.ca/en/rep-reg/place-lieu.aspx?id=8501