Central Vancouver in Greater Vancouver, British Columbia — Canada’s West Coast

Flack Block

City of Vancouver Heritage Building

— Architect: William Blackmore —

Flack Block Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, July 1, 2011

1. Flack Block Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Thomas Flack commissioned this landmark commercial building in 1898, following his return from a prosperous venture to the Klondike gold fields. Completed in 1900, it framed one of the city's most prominent intersections, facing the first provincial Court House across the street in what is now Victory Square. Conceived as a prestige project in a prime location, this was one of the largest structures designed by prolific local architect William Blackmore (1842-1904). The Romanesque Revival style, popular at the turn of the 20th Century, was well suited for this high-profile building. The rough-dressed sandstone, arched windows, columns and cornice line defined its stature as one of the more elaborate buildings in Vancouver. After years of neglect, a full restoration was completed in 2008, including the recreation of the grand stone entry arch.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1898.

Location. 49° 16.949′ N, 123° 6.56′ W. Marker is in Vancouver, British Columbia, in Greater Vancouver. It is in Central Vancouver. Marker

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is at the intersection of West Hastings Street and Cambie Street, on the right when traveling west on West Hastings Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 153 West Hastings Street, Vancouver BC V6B 1G8, Canada. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Dominion Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Here Stood Hamilton (within shouting distance of this marker); 326 West Pender Street (about 150 meters away, measured in a direct line); BC Permanent Building (about 150 meters away); 64 Pounder Guns (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Sherman (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Drill Hall (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Ram Mk II (approx. 0.4 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Vancouver.

Flack Block - grand stone entry arch image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, July 1, 2011

2. Flack Block - grand stone entry arch

Completed in 2008, this grand entry arch recreates the original, which had been removed more than 50 years ago. More than 80,000 lbs. of handcarved Indiana gray limestone were used to create this reproduction.

Flack Block circa 1940 (Image courtesy of Vancouver Public Library Archives) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Leonard Frank, 1940

3. Flack Block circa 1940 (Image courtesy of Vancouver Public Library Archives)

Flack Block circa 2011 image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, July 1, 2011

4. Flack Block circa 2011

The marker is barely visible here, mounted on the corner of the building, just to the left of the archway and fire hydrant.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 17, 2012, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 746 times since then and 51 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 17, 2012, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.