Tamura House

The four-storey, 1914 structure by architects Townsend & Townsend originally housed a hotel and was a prominent feature in the former neighbourhood of Little Tokyo. The project is a showcase of the BC Government’s SRO Renewal Initiative, one of 13 heritage buildings to undergo rehabilitation. The project included implementation of a complete seismic upgrade and restoration of the exterior brick walls and decorative metalwork.

A system of concrete shear walls and diaphragm upgrades stabilize the structure and protect the load-bearing, perimeter masonry walls. Ornate pediments supported by discreet new structural steel elements and sheet metal cornices were restored to their original appearance based on historic photographs. The rejuvenated Tamura House provides 109 much needed residential units while protecting the building’s significant cultural and heritage value.