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In the course of our daily reporting, we often uncover unusual projects, places, or connections that don't make the final cut. Instead of keeping it to ourselves, we're pleased to share our Architrivia.
Since January 1, 1914, the Vancouver Club has given the city's business and political aristocracy a private place for musings and social get-togethers. Like the organization that resides within its sophisticated brick and terra cotta facade, the building at 915 West Hastings Street has been resolute in its architectural consistency. Just as it did 100 years ago, the symmetrical five-storey structure still displays Classical Revival ornamentation, and maintains its strong presence between Burrard and Hornby Streets.
The clubhouse continues to be a place for the city's most prominent citizens to gather, surviving as one of a handful of private clubs in Vancouver still in operation. Sharp and Thompson, among the most prolific architectural partnerships in the city at the time, modelled the building off many of the archetypal gentlemen's clubs that proliferated London. Its classical decoration and Palladian-style frontage contributed towards the club's architectural classification as a "modern Renaissance" design. The distinguished interior features vaulted ceilings and liberal use of terrazzo and marble.
Despite its time-honoured facade, the building was outfitted with relatively advanced conveniences — ventilation, heating and electrical systems were provided over a reinforced concrete superstructure. The former home of the Vancouver Club that was located next door was eventually demolished in 1930.
Today, the Vancouver Club hosts 250 to 300 events every year, from wine tastings to traditional Easter brunch. A rooftop garden, wine cellar, gym, restaurant, barbershop, business centre, chefs table, and multiple ballrooms are available to its discerning clientele, as the establishment prolongs its reputation as a pillar in the cityscape and business community.
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