In 1912 architect Phillip M. Julien designed this Baroque Renaissance building on Nicola Street.The Spanish and Italian influences are quite obvious when a person looks at Kensington Place.
As is evident from these photos Kensington Place is not only large but also quite decorative.
Surrounding the entrances and windows is precast, iron ornamentation, columns frame the recessed balconies and elaborate consoles support the roof cornice.
This building is unique in the fact that it was built using a combination of a massive timber frame and concrete. Apparently various noteworthy British Columbians have resided here.
Do you remember when I wrote about Gabriola and the rumour that there was tunnel beneath it that led to 1215 Bidwell Street? According to what I was told B.T. Rogers, who owned Rogers Sugar and Gabriola, used to run bottles of booze through those tunnels. There was a mansion on Bidwell that was also a one time a finishing school for ladies. Later years it became different restaurants. This is what it looks like today.
This blue wall extends for a little ways down Davie Street. At one time the plan was to build a large condominium tower but I heard conflicting stories from different people I talked with on the street. I guess we'll have to wait and see what happens.
I hope you find the beauty around you.
TAGS:Vancouver, Karen Magill, Phillip M. Julien, Kensington Place,baroque,Rogers Sugar,History,1215 Bidwell,Gabriola
No comments:
Post a Comment