1912 – Rogers Building, Vancouver, Canada

Located at the corner of Granville and Pender streets, the Rogers Building was notable was for its reinforced concrete frame and its ten-storey height, which made it one of Canada’s tallest buildings. During construction, it was described in a local newspaper as “The building will be a monument to Alderman Rogers, whose faith in the future of this city is exemplified in the erection of a building which, when completed, will represent an expenditure of nearly $600,000.”

“Palatial Office Building for Vancouver
The illustration herewith is a reproduction of the magnificent new office building to be erected on the corner of Granville and Pender streets, Vancouver, for Jonathan Rogers, one of the city’s prominent men. It will be known as the Glyn Building, and will adjoin the handsome Bank of Commerce Building on the corner of Hastings and Granville streets. The block will be ten storeys high and will occupy ground space of 104 X 120 feet. It will contain 350 offices and will have a special ventilating system and the most modern equipment. One wing of the building will be fitted up for doctors and dentists, for whose convenience special electrical and compressed air appliances will be introduced.

The building will be of reinforced concrete construction, with semi-glaze cream terra cotta above the first storey, which will be of polished marble. The ground floor of the building will contain eight stores and suitable business quarters to be rented to a well known Trust Company. The basement will contain a large cafe and kitchen, barber shop, etc., as well as heating and power plants, electric generators, and refrigeration machines for the cafe. The building will be fitted throughout with hardwood and marble. The exposed sides of the building not fronting on the streets will have wire gears and metal frames.

The architect, A. Warren Gould, of the firm of Gould & Champney, and the owner, Jonathan Rogers, are at present visiting Chicago, New York and Toronto, their object being to interview the various manufacturing plans and dealers in high-class finish. The trip will probably include a visit to England, as it is possible they may purchase the terra cotta and special plumbing fixtures abroad.

Construction work on the new block will commence in the early spring, as soon as the necessary drawings can be completed. Mr. Rogers is determined that his new building shall rank as the best office structure on the Pacific Coast.”
Engineering and Contract Record, March 29 1911

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