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One of the most egregious acts of professed architectural vandalism in Vancouver was the demolition of the 11-storey Edwardian landmark known as the Birks Building. Though an extensive gallery of photos keeps the rich history of the building alive, the severity of its loss, even at a time when discussions over heritage preservation were frequently scuttled, can't be overstated.
Birks, a Montreal-based jewelry chain, moved its Vancouver outpost to the corner of Georgia and Granville Streets in 1913. Its previous location at Granville and Hastings was formerly the home of George Trovey's jewelry store. When Birks purchased the property, its elegant street clock was included in the deal. That same clock followed Birks to their new and much larger location, across from the similarly grandiose Hotel Vancouver and the Hudson's Bay Company. With a terra cotta facade and a rounded corner greeting the intersection, the building and its posh line of products oozed sophistication.
The Birks clock became the definitive meeting place and wayfinding device in the neighbourhood. "Meet you at the Birks clock, Georgia and Granville," was the go-to declaration. So when the Birks family revealed their plans to demolish the entire building and replace it with a 34-storey office tower, they were met with a sustained public outcry. An organized uproar, which even included a "mock funeral" demonstration, unsuccessfully attempted to save the building, which was eventually completely demolished in 1974. The wrecking ball also indiscriminately took out the neighbouring Strand Theatre.
The City, then led by Mayor Art Phillips, had no legal authority to stop the demolition. He later petitioned Premier Dave Barrett to amend the Vancouver Charter and give the City the power to designate heritage resources. Out of the rubble came progress; the Birks Building was the impetus for legislation that ultimately protected huge swaths of Vancouver's heritage stock, giving teeth to the modern preservation movement.
After occupying the squat retail bay — the shorter end of the 1977-built Scotia Tower that replaced the elegantly proportioned building — the Birks store moved back to Granville and Hastings in 1994. The signature timepiece came too. Its removal in 2006 made way for construction of the Canada Line, and following a restoration, the trademark clock was returned in 2010. The storied corner, previously home to one of Vancouver's most impressive architectural treasures, is now occupied by a utilitarian London Drugs establishment.
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