Hawkins-Agnew House

1020 Victoria Drive, previously 1004 Victoria Drive, is an example of a Queen Anne Revival style house built in 1910 by J.E. Wright. A building permit was issued on June 23, 1910 for the frame dwelling house valued $3,500.00. On July 19, 1910 an additional permit valued $300.00 was issued with a remark: frame stable. At the time, the Grandview – Woodland neighbourhood was an alternative to West End and Shaughnessy Heights for middle-class and this was one of a number of stately residences set on large lots along or near Victoria Drive.

The house was designed by architect, Alfred Edward Beswick of Swindon, England. Beswick’s career in Vancouver was limited and was interrupted by his participation in World War I. Following the War, Beswick returned to Canada, taking up work in Victoria before returning to England.

A City Of Vancouver Policy Report describes significance of the building as “distinctive for its textural detailing, and complete multi-pitched rooflines consisting of a prominent central circular turret at the front that is incorporated into the bellcast roofline, and dual pitched side-gable on the east and west elevations… Furthermore, the Hawkins Residence is significant for its connection with the Edwardian-era development of the Grandview neighbourhood in Vancouver East.”

Residents

The house was built for John Charles Hawkins (1851-1920), who lived there for only three years before he had a similarly styled but more elaborate house built at 1927 West 17th Avenue. Hawkins was born in the Channel Islands and immigrated to Canada in 1873 where he embarked upon a career as a successful merchant.

In 1920, Thomas (1865-1948) and Mabel (1885–1961) Agnew purchased the property. Vancouver Census Records in 1921 confirms that Thomas and Mabel Agnew were registered in this address with their children (one daughter and two sons). The document shows that Thomas was a doctor. After Thomas Agnew died in 1948, the family sold the house, and it was gradually converted into suites.

Recent Developments

In 2009, Hawkins-Agnew’s lot was combined with 1090 Victoria Drive and became part of Britannia Lodge (a specialised Residential Care Facility). Heritage A status of the building was maintained, and renovations had to be processed according to the requirements of the City of Vancouver.

In 2013 Hawkins-Agnew house received a Heritage Award of Honour by the City of Vancouver “For the adaptive reuse of the Hawkins-Agnew House, 1090 Victoria Drive, that retained and restored a high degree of original exterior and interior fabric, and which contributes to Victoria Drive's historic streetscape.”

Written by: Ausra V

Source

City of Vancouver, Heritage Vancouver Society, Canada Census collections