Central Vancouver in Metro Vancouver, British Columbia — Canada’s West Coast (North America)

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. 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 and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Vancouver, City of Vancouver Heritage Buildings series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1898.

Location. 49° 16.949′ N, 123° 6.56′ W.

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Marker is in Vancouver, British Columbia, in Metro Vancouver. It is in Central Vancouver. It 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.

Regionally, this marker is on the Lower Mainland

and in Coast & Mountains.

Globally, it is in North America,

in the Cascade Range,

in the Inside Passage,

on the Ring of Fire,

on the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Victory Square (within shouting distance of this marker); Victory Square Cenotaph (within shouting distance of this marker); Dominion Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Here Stood Hamilton (within shouting distance of this marker); Vancouver Daily Province 67 Years (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Edgett Building (about

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.

90 meters away); 326 West Pender Street (about 150 meters away); BC Permanent Building (about 150 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Vancouver.

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 December 22, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 17, 2012, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 1,180 times since then and 29 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.