41 Alexander St

This is a six-storey building constructed in 1909. It was originally used for wholesale and warehousing purposes and is now used for housing.

The building was designed by Parr and Fee, one of Vancouver’s leading architectural firms in the early twentieth century.

The first owner was George H. French, a tugboat captain. He operated the first log towing business to run out of Vancouver. It is likely that this building represents an investment he made from profits made in British Columbia’s booming lumber trade in the early twentieth century.

Later tenants included various ships’ chandlers and Gainer’s Meats. Businesses such as Gainer’s located here because the building backs onto the railway tracks.

The building was re-adapted into residential use by Paul Merrick Architects, who have been associated with many similar projects in Gastown.

Source

Canada's Historic Places

More information

http://www.historicplaces.ca/en/rep-reg/place-lieu.aspx?id=2813&pid=0