Vancouver's best example of Art Deco architecture, the Marine Building's generously detailed facade looks over West Hastings Street as it takes a bend to the south. It's one of the city's most photographed vistas, and although the view has drastically changed since the tower's completion in 1930, it hasn't been to the detriment of the Marine Building.

Marine Building in 1991, image by Flickr user Ian Alexander Martin via Creative Commons

In 1991, there wasn't much serving as the backdrop to the Marine Building except sky. The 1969-built Guinness Tower and the 19-storey 999 West Hastings, clad in solar gold curtain wall, were the landmark's most modern neighbours. The Vancouver Club, occupying a designated century-old heritage structure, is pictured in the extreme right of the image above. 

Marine Building in 2017, image retrieved from Google Street View

The famous vista would change in 2004 with the arrival of the 41-storey Shaw Tower in Coal Harbour. The James K.M. Cheng-designed building found company across West Cordova Street when the Kohn Pedersen Fox's MNP Tower made its debut. The 36-storey modern office highrise rises immediately behind the Marine Building with a glass crest framing the pyramidal crown of its veteran neighbour. Meanwhile, local stalwarts like the Vancouver Club continue to perform into the 21st century.

Have an idea for a future Throwback Thursday? Let us know by leaving a comment below!