If you have ever strolled along the fashionable Robson Street in Vancouver, you probably noticed an interesting brick building at Robson and Thurlow. Built just after the turn of the century — er... the turn of the last century — the Manhattan Apartments reflect the architectural style of the period. According to the Hottson Bakker Architects Online website, it is the oldest apartment building in Vancouver.

The Manhattan Apartments at Thurlow and Robson, downtown Vancouver, c.1910 (photo from the City of Vancouver Archives). At this time, the building is surrounded by houses.


The same building, c.1917 (photo from the City of Vancouver Archives). Buildings begin to pop up on the left and right.


As it is now, 2003 (photo from me). The building is surrounded by retail shops and office towers.

Now the building is home to a nice Japanese restaurant, some trendy shops, and a Starbucks. As an aside, this is the Starbucks that's directly opposite another Starbucks across the intersection.

About a block away is this building, which appears to be in a residential neighbourhood — you can see the houses in the background.

An apartment building on Burrard St. between Robson and Georgia, March, 1914 (photo from the City of Vancouver Archives).


The same building in 2003. Robson and Burrard is in the heart of downtown Vancouver.