The Vancouver Block Building marks 100 years on Granville this year and according to a Twitter update from user @jesswads to Bob from Vancouver is Awesome, there was cake to celebrate this week. With its neon clock and photogenic white tower, it’s today’s Vancouver Icon photo feature: (Left) 1910s Archives item# M-11-77. (Right) 1920s Archives […]

Vancouver’s known for its H-shaped telephone pole alleyways which have been featured in film and television series for decades. Some have names given to them by historians or businesses but others, like Ackery Alley between Granville and Seymour, were named in tribute. Ivan Ackery with framed caricature and letters at desk. VPL Accession Number: 59306 […]

This afternoon Krista Rand sent me a message on Twitter with a photo of the Orpheum sign coming down. Many panicked at the news that the iconic neon beacon on Granville was being removed however it has been determined that it’s all part of a master plan. Photo credit: Krista Rand on Twitter Since the […]

Earlier this year it was announced that Sears downtown was closing. Immediately rumours began to fly about what would occupy the space and if the bare white fortress-like walls of the structure at Pacific Centre would undergo a facelift. Photo credit: Tom Wiebe on Flickr Drawings have been circulating on the internet for months, some […]

Vancouver’s Commodore Lanes, Canada’s oldest surviving bowling centre, opened up below Granville Street on September 8, 1930. Since its neon sign has been advertising bowling and billiards in the downtown entertainment district for the last eight decades, I’ve decided it should be this week’s featured Vancouver Icon: 1946 – Theatres and the bowling sign on […]

The Orpheum Theatre on Granville is open for tours this month as the public is invited to explore the National Historic Site. In celebration of the Orpheum’s 85th anniversary, the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame has been offering guided tours all summer on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Photo credit: Maurice Li & Clayton Perry Photoworks […]

Heritage Vancouver has recently released their list of summer walking tours with an impressive roster of guides to help you discover more about our city. 1959 – Granville Street. Archives item# CVA 672-1. BC Jennings Photographer. Date: Saturday, July 21, 2012 from 11:00am to 1:00pm Tour: Vancouver’s Granville Street: 1885-2012 Guide: Michael Gordon Where to […]

VIVA Vancouver returns this summer as Robson Square and Granville Street transform into pedestrian paradises. Community events, performances, and unique attractions will occupy these busy downtown corridors (and more) from June 23rd until September 3rd. Dining Alfresco in Robson Square 2011 – Photo credit: Maurice Li & Maurice Li. Granville will be closed to traffic […]

This morning it was announced that Sears was closing its downtown Vancouver location, along with others in Calgary and Ottawa, by October 31st [News1130]. While rumours are flying about what will move into the Pacific Centre Sears spot, which they took over from Eaton’s back in 1999, my immediately reaction was that now we can […]

In case you’re wondering why Robson and Granville has been so busy with construction lately, there is a large project underway. Photo credit: Heritage Vancouver on Flickr This involves an overhaul of the Power Block at 817-819 Granville, where Charlie’s Music was located. The building (circa 1888 rear & 1929 front) is designated a category […]