Sunday June 2nd, 2019
10am to 5pm
$40/$30 (with a valid student ID)
As we are close to tour day, tickets are no longer being mailed. Please select one of the pick up locations when purchasing your tickets.
Join us this June as we explore the evolution of Vancouver’s heritage and character homes. The self-guided tour offers a look inside homes across Vancouver, varying in age and style, each with a unique story to tell. In 2019 we will explore houses dating back to 1895, spanning six decades and five neighbourhoods. The homes explore shifts in architectural design including handsome Victorian, sturdy Craftsman and influential Mid-Century Modern.
As we visit a generational span of homes we will see the adaptability of older buildings and historic properties and learn about new uses, conversion to add housing or meet modern concepts of living and how heritage character and meaning can be retained. See how a school and a charity are utilizing heritage spaces, and explore a basement suite addition, a housing format that has added space for renters or family members for decades. Another stop will show a sensitive second floor addition on a character bungalow, expanding family accommodation while retaining original features.
The future of a site is often found in adaptive reuse, which is a key concept in heritage conservation and the retention of historic buildings. Finding compatible new uses for early structures preserves historic materials and maintains a sense of community. It is also a consistent theme throughout Vancouver’s housing history. Through the decades and adaptations, the history of each home connects to the people who built them, designed them, and lived in them, and helps illuminate the development of the city, its industries, neighbourhoods and communities over the decades.
Partner Store Ticket Sales
Tickets will be available for purchase at four partner store locations from Tuesday, May 14th through Saturday, June 1st. Please check with individual stores for store hours and availability. Tickets purchased online or over the phone through VHF cannot be picked up at partner stores.
Hills of Kerrisdale
2125 W 41st Ave
Hills Dry Goods (Granville St)
2741 Granville St
Hills Dry Goods (West 4th Ave)
2081 W 4th Ave
At Home North Vancouver
3122 Edgemont Blvd
The Ever Changing House: A History of Adaptability
Pre-Tour Lecture with John Atkin
Monday May 27th, 7:30pm -9pm
Kitsilano Neighbourhood House, 2305 W 7th Ave
Many important historic buildings and treasured older homes are part of our city and neighbourhoods today because they have been adaptable to changing needs, lifestyles and function. The 2019 Heritage House Tour will feature a range of houses that have seen adaptations historically or recently – to provide more housing, for use as a school, to meet changing lifestyles or modern energy efficiency requirements. Historian John Atkin will explore the many ways older homes have been adapted through the decades in Vancouver and why this came about – from societal changes and economic shifts to policies that enabled it. With benefits that include maintaining heritage character, distinctive neighbourhoods and community connections as well as making smart use of existing buildings and resources, it is timely to consider the history of adaptability in Vancouver’s homes.
Please be aware that designated VHF photographers will take photographs and/or live recordings at events. These materials are the sole property of Vancouver Heritage Foundation and will not be sold or otherwise redistributed, however they may be utilized without notification in Vancouver Heritage Foundation communications including, but not limited to, print materials and social media. If you have concerns about how your likeness may be utilized, please speak with Vancouver Heritage Foundation staff.
