Fred Welsh House

This small Victorian style house was built in 1905 for a grocer named Fred Welsh. It is a typical wood frame house with drop siding and is an example of the earliest development in the area. Many Victorian characteristics are evident such as a prominent bay on one side, and a small sheltered half-porch on the other. The gable trim, gingerbread detailing, fretwork brackets, fish-scale shingles and turned columns are some the decorative Victorian features of 144 W 10th Avenue. Restored by the Davis family in 1981, the house has been raised, and refurbished in the way of a new chimney, skylights, and a new basement.

Colloquially known as the Davis Block, the extraordinary collection of well-preserved heritage homes on the 100 block of W 10th Avenue between Manitoba and Columbia is largely due to the efforts of the Davis family. In the 1970s and 80s, John and Nita “Pat” Davis and their family purchased, restored and protected with heritage designation a succession of houses that were threatened by neglect and demolition, often converting them to multiple suites and providing long-term affordable rental accommodation. This house, along with 117, 140, 148, 150, 156 and 166 W 10th Ave are all part of this picturesque and historic block.

Source

Historic Vancouver Permit Database, 1985 Vancouver Heritage Register, Sarah Delaney