Doesn’t it seem like Vancouver cherishes its architectural gems from bygone eras? Today we’re standing before a testament to that sentiment, the Birch Building.
Let’s embark on a journey to a time when Vancouver was rapidly transforming. The original Birks Building stood proudly at Granville and Georgia. Built between 1912 and 1913, it was an Edwardian masterpiece. Imagine an 11-story building with an elegant terra cotta facade. Its graceful curved corner featured rounded glass windows all the way up. Locals often met at the Birks clock. It became a familiar meeting place for Vancouverites for years.
Inside the Birks Building sparkling jewelry, silver and fine china attracted wealthy clientele. It was the place to go for luxury goods.
Sadly, the original Birks Building was torn down in 1974. The public was shocked by the demolition of such a signature building. On March 24th, 1974, a mock funeral marched down Georgia Street. It was a public display of mourning for the loss. The last wall of the Birks Building came down in January 1975. Many considered it a sad loss for the city.
Today Birks is located at 698 West Hastings Street. It resides in the old Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Building. The Birks Clock stands outside on the corner. It is a few blocks down from its original location. The spirit of the original Birks Building lives on even in a new location. The Birch Building reminds us of Vancouver’s architectural history.