Could these walls whisper stories? They certainly could. Welcome to the Runkle Block. This Edwardian-era building stands proudly on the corner of Cordova and Abbott. It marks a significant piece of Vancouver’s history.
Completed in 1911, the Runkle Block replaced the old Cosmopolitan Restaurant. J C Runkle hired Sharp and Thompson to design this new building. The construction cost was $28,000. Robert McLean built it.
But who was J C Runkle? The 1911 census lists only one Runkle in Canada. His name was Gordon Runkle, not J C. Gordon lived in Vancouver from about 1906. He even had Sharp and Thompson design a house for him.
It turns out Gordon had an older brother named John Cornelius Runkle. The theory is that Gordon managed the Runkle Block project. He did it for his brother John, an investor from the East Coast. John worked in manufacturing and lumber. He lived in Massachusetts.
Look closely at the building. See the decorative cartouches? They display the initials J R for John Runkle. The Runkle family had close ties. After Gordon’s death, John gave away Gordon’s daughter at her wedding.
Originally, the Runkle Block housed warehouse operations. But the upper floors served as hotel rooms and lodging. The Dixie Rooms were once located here. In 1914, tragedy struck. Seven-year-old Kathleen Dooley was hit by a car nearby. She later died in the hospital.
Later, the rooms became the Acme Rooms. Then they became the Don Rooms. In 1930, a man named Ole Tallman died here. He asked his roommate for water and then passed away.
The Runkle Block’s address frequently appeared in death notices. Burglaries were also reported often. In 1935, police found John Keilly wandering. They brought him back here. He later died from a fractured skull after falling down stairs.
In 1944, a man named Fred Lundgram was robbed in his room. A couple stole his wallet with $400. Police caught them with the money hidden in their shoes and socks. Many residents were loggers or seamen.
In 1974, the Olando Rooms closed due to bylaw violations. Later, the upper floors combined with the Cook Block. They became office and commercial spaces. Today, tech companies and a tattoo parlor occupy the building.
The corner storefront has seen many businesses. There was the Stanley Cafe. Then the Klean Kitchen Cafe. In 1924, it became a gun store. In 1929, a thief stole two shotguns. A 16-year-old boy later confessed to the burglary.
Vincent Cashmore and his son ran the gun store in 1954. A friend accidentally shot Mr. Cashmore in the hand. In 1957, Michael Packloff was jailed for stealing rifles and ammunition.
Around 1980, the gun store moved. The London School of Hairdressing took its place. In 1990, Fusion, a consignment store, was here. For the past 19 years, La Casita, a Mexican restaurant, has occupied the space.
The Runkle Block stands as a testament to Gastown’s history. It shows the area’s economic evolution. It’s a reminder of the people who lived and worked here. It is a building with many stories to tell.