The Fairview House (also known as the Steamboat House), located at 1151 West 8th Avenue in Vancouver, has recently undergone a major overhaul.
According to David Kaplan, President of Revenue Property Group (the property’s owner), “This house is beautiful on the outside but that same beauty did not translate to the inside. I felt a mission to restore the entire house, to honour its significant place in the history of the city.”
The house was built in 1892 (six years after Vancouver was founded) for Sir Dr. John Reid, physician to the Queen of England, and his wife Lady Georgina Hill-Reid, founder of the Vancouver Council of Women. From 1900 to 1910, it was occupied by Walter C. Nichol, former owner and editor of the Province newspaper and BC’s 12th Lieutenant-Governor. In 1960, the Fairview House was converted into a rooming house. And in 2010, Revenue Property Group purchased the house.
The Fairview House is considered one of Vancouver’s 10 oldest buildings! Hard to imagine, but at the time only 14,000 people lived in Vancouver and Fairview was its affluent suburb.
The interior was completely renovated to match its original character, including 9 foot, 9 inch ceilings, white walls, crown moulding, walnut flooring, dark wood wainscoting, updated plumbing and heating, plus modern luxuries.
Kollel Community Rabbi Shmulik blessed the property with a mezuzah followed by a short prayer, marking the house officially open for visitors.
[Fairview House catering by Perfect Bite]
Media were invited on Tuesday afternoon to view the house’s three floors while sipping wine and enjoying appetizers. The top floor isn’t yet complete, but the view of False Creek, the Burrard Inlet, and English Bay is spectacular (the basement is also a work in progress)!
[David Kaplan, Architect Michel Laflamme]
I also met architect Michel Laflamme, who was inspired by David’s vision to restore this Edwardian style heritage house and turn it into executive offices.
A few key Fairmont House luxuries:
– Each office has its own heating system and controls
– Kitchens contain granite countertops and stainless steel appliances
– Hardwood floors in main areas and carpeting in offices
The restoration team includes David Kaplan with Revenue Property Group, Interior designer Janks Design Group, Contractor Yuval Biton, and Architect Michel Laflamme.