The Hotel Europe, at Alexander and Abbott Streets in Gastown, has always been one of my favourite Vancouver icons.A treat for the eye, this was commissioned by Angelo Calori, whose name is inscribed above the main door. The building was designed by architects J.E. Parr and T.A. Fee.
Built in 1909, it was undoubtedly the last word in elegance when erected, and still retains its original Italian tilework and some leaded glass windows. Glass blocks inset in the sidewalk used to give light to a below-ground saloon.
According to www.archiseek.com, it was the first reinforced concrete structure in Vancouver. It predates even the dear old ivy-covered Sylvia, which didn't arrive on the scene till 1912.
Photo by archiseek
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