I live in the West End of Vancouver, a mostly residential neighbourhood that is bordered by the central business district of downtown, Stanley Park and the Pacific Ocean. It was considered one of the most densely populated neighbourhoods in North America way back before the term 'density' became a buzz word for city planners today. At the turn-of-the-century, it was all houses with large porches and back yards. By the 1960s only a few remained, progressively replaced by apartment blocks. The older ones are quite similar to what you see in cities back East; three to four stories, brick, bay windows and high ceilings, some with art deco motifs.
By the 1950s and 60s many of them became taller, the units smaller (though still larger than many of todays condo units) most with balconies. The architectural style of these later apartment blocks is particular to Vancouver. The only other place that reminds me of these buildings are those of the same age, located in Waikiki, Honolulu. It also helps that many have names like 'Laguna Beach', 'Ocean Towers', 'Sunset Place' and 'Pacific Palisades'.
Slowly, and amidst considerable opposition from residents of the West End, some of these buildings are now being replaced by taller glass towers and condos that have become synonymous with Vancouver's downtown. From turn-of-the-century houses to modest apartment blocks to tall glass towers... and despite the exploding cost of housing in this city, people will always be attracted to live here.
