Jeff’s Residence
- City: Vancouver, BC
- Status: Complete
- Category: Building Renovation
- Certifications: City of Vancouver Heritage Registry
About this Project
Built during Vancouver’s “golden years” in 1907-8, the original Jeffs Residence is a testament to the Grandview-Woodland area’s prestigious history. A beacon of historic Queen Anne revival architecture, this three-and-a-half-storey historic family house reflects the formerly affluent neighbourhood enclave. The Jeffs Residence was constructed for Dr. Thomas William Jeffs (1858-1923), a physician, coroner, City Alderman (1906), and Police Commissioner (1907).
In the 1920s, the house became a rooming house with 18 units. Poorly conceived additions attached over the years like barnacles, slowly sinking the formerly majestic building into disrepair. Restoring a severely dilapidated building is no easy task. To make this project viable, we relocated the house to the front corner of the property and designed three clusters of subordinate infill rowhouses behind the house. Through a lengthy public consultation process, we crafted a rowhouse design that fell into step with the historic neighbourhood character and acted as a complementary backdrop to the main house.
Innovative design and a commitment to reviving this historical showpiece allowed us to craft a design that saved the building from the landfill, added much-needed residential density to the neighbourhood, and gained support of local residents. Most importantly, the restoration work allowed us to list the Jeff’s Residence on the Heritage Register, which will protect the house in perpetuity.
Recognition
- Heritage BC Awards for Conservation.
- Georgie Award: Silver, Best Townhouse
Development.