This majestic building before us is the Manhattan Apartments. A Vancouver landmark. Its story begins in 1908. William Lamon Tait a lumber magnate commissioned its construction. He wasn’t just any lumberman. Tait also built the stunning Glen Brae mansion. It now houses the Canuck Place Children’s Hospice.
The Manhattan wasn’t just apartments. Initially it housed a pharmacy and a clothing store. Imagine the bustle of early 20th-century Vancouver life within these walls. The ground floor hummed with commerce. Above the apartments offered a glimpse into the lives of residents.
In 1979 demolition loomed. But the residents rallied. They launched a passionate “Save the Manhattan” campaign. Their efforts led to the formation of the Manhattan Housing Co-op. For three decades they owned and managed the building. Focusing on low to middle-income residents.
Since 2011 Sunco Enterprises owns the building. The legacy of the co-op’s dedication remains. A testament to community spirit. Preserving not just a building but a piece of Vancouver’s history. Look closely at the architecture. It’s a blend of styles. Reflecting the city’s evolving character. A silent witness to a century of change.
This plaque stands as a small but significant marker. It commemorates this extraordinary building. Its survival a victory for those who fought to preserve it. A piece of Vancouver’s past still very much present.