Century House: Vancouver Homes with History
Century House is a historic Vancouver property, with an important story within its walls. It was such a pleasure to research and share the story of its origins and history, and be a part of how it will continue its legacy into modern day. Marketing by: Icon&Co., Developed by: DOMUS Homes. Designed by: Formwerks and Gannon Design Co.
I wrote the website copy and provided content strategy, management, and copywriting for social media.
Century House
A Century of Heritage in East Van
Homes that connect Vancouver’s past to the present day.
At Nanaimo and East 34th, a century-old corner store is reimagined as four, contemporary city homes and a commercial space. Now named Century House, original architecture pairs with modern simplicity, awaiting a new generation of memories.
Lifestyle: a century day-by-day
CREATING NEW STORIES THAT BUILD UPON THE OLD
Century House has deep roots and many stories. Today, it is ready for a new chapter, for new stories. Generous, open concept layouts and fresh, minimalist finishes are a welcoming backdrop for life’s moments, big and small. And every dwelling feels private—with thoughtful landscaping that separates every home. The exterior is a harmonious mix of traditional design and modern details, and on the original building's west facade, a charming mural pays homage to its history.
History: a century of heritage
MAPPING VANCOUVER’S HISTORY
Built brick by brick and completed by Harry Bridge in 1918, the building first became Smith’s Grocery in 1922, then Thomson’s Grocery in 1925. The following 40-odd years hosted a dozen more grocers, all of British and European ancestry until B.K. Mah, an enterprising Chinese immigrant, opened B.K. Grocery in 1968. Mah and his family owned the store and lived in the building—a life where work and family life intertwined. The store remained under the name B.K. Grocery until 2014.Though a humble corner store, the building tells a significant Vancouver story, a narrative familiar to many new Canadians of yesteryear and today.
Neighbourhood: A neighbourhood that welcomes you home
Norquay Village is a diverse neighbourhood that retains a quiet, family-oriented charm, yet amenities, restaurants, and entertainment are nearby. Schools and parks are a short walk from Century House along pleasant, tree-lined streets, with Cunningham Elementary half a block away. Walk to Victoria Drive for tasty asian cuisine or to Kingsway for amenities. Connect easily to the rest of Vancouver or beyond from Nanaimo Skytrain Station, a 13-minute walk.
