Central Vancouver in Metro Vancouver, British Columbia — Canada’s West Coast (North America)
Robinson Block / Rene Building
— City of Vancouver Heritage Building —
Photographed By Adam Margolis, October 14, 2023
1. Robinson Block / Rene Building Marker
Inscription.
Robinson Block, also, Rene Building. . The Robinson Block was built in 1889 Zebulon Franks, a Jewish immigrant from Russia who arrived in 1887, relocated his general supply store here from Carrall Street in the early 1890s. It catered to resource industry workers - loggers, fishers, miners - travelling to all parts of the province. After Franks' death, the business continued as Y. Franks Appliances, becoming one of the longest operating businesses in Vancouver. , The Rene Building, built in 1906 for owner Jacob Sam Rame, housed commercial and industrial uses. Its second floor features precast concrete blocks meant to resemble stone. By 1942 this was the Beulah Rescue Mission, serving the homeless and unemployed - a sign of economic decline resulting from businesses relocating to other areas. Both buildings were rehabilitated in 2006.
The Robinson Block was built in 1889 Zebulon Franks, a Jewish immigrant from Russia who arrived in 1887, relocated his general supply store here from Carrall Street in the early 1890s. It catered to resource industry workers - loggers, fishers, miners - travelling to all parts of the province. After Franks' death, the business continued as Y. Franks Appliances, becoming one of the longest operating businesses in Vancouver.
The Rene Building, built in 1906 for owner Jacob Sam Rame, housed commercial and industrial uses. Its second floor features precast concrete blocks meant to resemble stone. By 1942 this was the Beulah Rescue Mission, serving the homeless and unemployed - a sign of economic decline resulting from businesses relocating to other areas. Both buildings were rehabilitated in 2006.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the City of Vancouver Heritage Building series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1889.
Location. 49° 17.015′ N, 123° 6.329′ W. Marker is in Vancouver, British Columbia, in Metro Vancouver. It is in Central Vancouver. Marker is on Water Street, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 44 Water Street, Vancouver BC V6B 1A1, Canada. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance
Credits. This page was last revised on November 27, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 19, 2023, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. This page has been viewed 46 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on November 19, 2023, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
