1919 – Canadian National Terminal, Vancouver, Canada

A large, Beaux-Arts-style railway station, built from 1917 to 1919 on reclaimed land in the False Creek area of the city of Vancouver. Originally the project started under the Canadian Northern Railway, but federal government wound up taking over the railway in 1917. When the Vancouver terminal finally opened on Nov. 1, 1919, it was as the Canadian National station.

Described shortly after opening as:

“The station has a frontage of 321 feet by 105 feet in depth to the concourse, and is three storeys high above grade. Reinforced concrete and tile construction was used throughout, and as far as possible, construction material of local origin was used. The design is an example of modern classical architecture, embodying a free use of the Doric order. The central feature is a large arched doorway, adequately expressing the spirit of the building as a “gateway” to the city.

In developing the design, the need for ample light in the offices had to be kept in view, and the results are such that all office spaces and corridors are well lighted. The main waiting room, in addition to clerestory windows on three sides, is lighted by three large ceiling lights with lanterns above.

The main archway is 21 feet in width and 52 feet in height to the centre of the arch. It contains the entrance doors, above which is an ornamental iron window three storeys in height. The arch is surmounted by a pediment having a projection of five feet. The massiveness of this pediment may be appreciated when it is stated that the keystone of this arch weighs 30 tons.

On each side of this main feature the facade consists of seven bays divided by six Doric columns 3 feet 11/2inches in diameter by 40 feet 8 inches high; while at each front corner there is a secondary feature, having two columns of the same order introduced. The treatment is repeated at the ends of the building. A marquise of ornamental iron with wire glass panels, overhangs the front entrance, as well as one at the baggage and express doors at either end.

Six entrance doors give access to the vestibule which is separated by a second set of doors from a lobby 28 feet by 40 feet. This lobby opens into the general waiting room, and on the right hand side of the lobby are located the elevator, hall and stairway to the upper floors.

The general waiting room is 48 feet by 150 feet and 28 feet in height. At the right hand corner of the lobby, as you enter, is the information bureau, and beyond that, in order, are the Y.W.C.A., barber shop, men’s waiting room and toilets. To the left of the lobby are the women’s waiting room, 30 feet by 54 feet, with retiring room and toilet room, and beyond that in the north-west corner of the building the dining room and lunch counter.

The north end is occupied by the baggage room, and along the east, or track side of the waiting room, are arranged the ticket offices, the lobby leading to the concourse through ten doors, the first aid room, news and drugs stand, and parcel checking room. The ticket offices have five booths with ornamental iron grilles.

The baggage room is 44 feet by 82 feet, and has a mastic floor. The baggage checking counter, baggage transfer office and the customs office, are available for the public off the waiting room, and provision is also made for hand baggage room and bonded warehouse.

The south end of the station is occupied by the Express Company, their office being entered from the south-west corner of the building, while the Government mail room is located in the south-east corner, adjoining the concourse.”
Construction, January 19, 1920

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