Three Transformations of 1855 Vine Street

✍️ By Karalee Greer | WBN News – Kitsilano | April 21, 2025

🏛️ A Building Steeped in History: 1855 Vine Street

Nestled in Vancouver's Kitsilano neighborhood, the building at 1855 Vine Street stands as a silent witness to the city's dynamic history and cultural shifts.Vancouver Is Awesome+1Vancouver Heritage Foundation+1

Origins as a Place of Worship

Constructed in 1910, the structure was originally the Kitsilano Presbyterian Church, designed by architect H.B. Watson and built by John Watson. With the unification of Protestant churches in the 1920s, it became known as St. Stephen's United Church. In the 1960s, the building served as a Mormon church (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), reflecting the diverse religious tapestry of the area. Vancouver Heritage Foundation

Transition to the Vancouver Indian Centre

In 1970, the building took on a new role as the Vancouver Indian Centre, part of the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society. This organization provided essential services to Indigenous peoples transitioning to urban life, offering programs in health, welfare, culture, and education. The Centre operated here until 1979, after which it relocated to better serve the Indigenous population concentrated between Cambie and Nanaimo Streets. Vancouver Heritage Foundation

Modern-Day Transformation

The 1980s saw the building's conversion into upscale residences. In 1985, architect Donald O'Callaghan redesigned the interior, transforming the Italianate shell into five unique two-storey private residences, now known as Devon Court. This renovation preserved the building's historical façade while introducing modern living spaces, exemplifying adaptive reuse in urban architecture. Vancouver Is Awesome

A Living Chronicle

Today, 1855 Vine Street stands as a testament to Kitsilano's rich history and the community's ability to adapt and repurpose its architectural heritage. From a place of worship to a community center and now a residential complex, the building encapsulates the evolving narrative of the neighborhood and its diverse inhabitants. Vancouver Is Awesome

Karalee Greer - Publisher

Tags: #WBN News -Kitsilano #Karalee Greer #Vancouver History #Kitsilano History #Vancouver Indian Centre #Community Evolution