Sunday June 2nd, 2019
10am to 5pm
$40/$30 (with a valid student ID)
Thank you to everyone who joined us at the 17th annual Heritage House Tour! Check back for details of the 2020 Heritage House Tour or sign up for our enews for information about other upcoming events.
In 2019, we explored the evolution of Vancouver’s heritage and character homes. The self-guided tour offered a look inside homes across Vancouver, varying in age and style, each with a unique story to tell. The houses dated back to 1895 including the A-listed 1910 Arts & Crafts beauty Hirschfeld House and the 1895 home built for George Weeks that is now a calming wellness centre in a historic square. The homes spanned six decades of architectural design including handsome Victorian detailing, sturdy Craftsman construction and even influential Mid-Century Modern design. The Downs Residence, a 1959 masterpiece designed by Downs for his own family, is a strong example of West Coast Modernism and has been featured in many design and architecture publications as well as exhibitions.
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.
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
This lecture has concluded. Thank you to all who attended.
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.
