First Rogers Block

This is a three-storey plus lower level red brick building with stone trim; it was constructed in 1894. The building was built for retail purposes with large display windows on the ground floor and offices above.

It is significant for its direct association with Jonathan Rogers (1865-1945), a prominent Vancouver developer, contractor and financier. This was one of the first major projects undertaken by Rogers and named after himself. He had arrived on the first passenger train to Vancouver in 1887, and attended the first sale of Canadian Pacific Railway lots.

There was a drastic economic slump in the mid 1890s and many merchants talked of leaving Vancouver. At a public meeting in 1894 Rogers announced his intentions to stay and invest in Vancouver’s future by starting construction on this building. The promotion of land sales in this district provided additional stimulation to the commercial development of this area.

The building’s design can be attributed to William Blackmor (1842-1904). Later expansions on the building were designed by John E. Parr (1856-1923) and Thomas A. Fee (1860-1929). Despite the change in architects, the addition was seamlessly blended with the original construction. Yet, a close inspection reveals that the two halves of the structure are not the same width, slightly altering the window proportions.

Source

Canada's Historic Places

More information

http://www.historicplaces.ca/en/rep-reg/place-lieu.aspx?id=7929&pid=0