Ferrera Court

Ferrera Court is an expression of Vancouver’s prosperity during the Edwardian era. During this period, many impressive terra-cotta commercial buildings like Ferrera Court were built.

Built in 1912, Ferrera Court was built and owned by Cavaliere Agostino Gabriele Ferrera (1857-1948), Italian Consul to Vancouver, a Knight of the Crown of Italy, and one of the city’s first gourmet restaurateurs.

The structure was designed by architect Frank H. Perkins, and is the largest and most elegant work of his short stay in the city from 1911-1913. An article appearing in the May 28, 1914, issue of The Daily Province reads "Lawsuit Over Building: Architect of Ferrera Building said to have made serious charges."

The main wall surfaces of buff brick are highlighted with cream-coloured terra cotta. Ferrera Court was at the time considered to be the grandest building in this part of town. Like many commercial structures along the Hastings Street corridor, Ferrera Court served a dual function of providing accommodation and street-level retail operations. Early tenants range from real estate agents, BC Electric Railway clerks, a chemist, teacher, engineer, and a theatre stage manager.

A street-level grocery store is listed in most years until 1970, with other street-level tenants including an Orthodox Mission (Russian, Serbian, Greek) and the Church of Christ. By 1960, various Asian tenants had moved into the building, indicating a shift in the local community.

Source

Canada's Historic Places

More information

http://www.historicplaces.ca/en/rep-reg/place-lieu.aspx?id=8511&pid=0