ADDRESS: 36 Blood Alley Square HISTORIC NAME: Hotel Stanley ARCHITECT: Grant and Henderson CONSTRUCTION DATE: 1906 ORIGINAL LEGAL ADDRESS: Lots 13-14, Block 2, DL O.G.T. HERITAGE STATUS: Municipally Designated Resource

The Hotel Stanley, constructed in 1906, is among the early extant buildings in Gastown. Constructed to house both seasonal resource workers, as well as long-term residents of the young city, hotels including the Stanley underpin the early and optimistic growth of Vancouver as it eventually emerged as western Canada’s largest commercial centre. The site is located on Blood Alley Square, which is a 1970s manifestation of the first attempts to revitalize the area in the face of the large-scale urban renewal that was proposed, and ultimately defeated, for the neighbourhood. As Gastown has successfully renewed itself by instead preserving its historic character, the area is again growing and many new residents are moving in, attracted by its status as Vancouver’s original neighbourhood. The redevelopment of the Hotel Stanley site will conserve the façade of the historic building. This Conservation Plan outlines the process necessary to undertake the preservation, rehabilitation and restoration of the façade. While it sounds rather disconcerting, no one is sure exactly how Vancouver’s Blood Alley got its name. With that being said, some of its origins may lie in blood; however, they aren’t of the human kind. The famous alley was said to be home to a number of the city’s finest butchers, whose work would paint the streets red. With that being said, no one is sure if this why the passage got its name. In fact, this title isn’t even its real name, which is Trounce Alley. What most historians settle on, however, is that the nickname “Blood Alley” appeared around 1970. “The name “Trounce Alley” didn’t have the allure they were looking for, so they began calling it Blood Alley and introduced myths that the name derived from blood flowing from slaughterhouses in the alley. Alternatively, some claimed that hangings once took place there and inspired the name. Neither story is true (hangings all took place in New Westminster and there were no abattoirs),” reports Forbidden Vancouver. Interestingly, it was also Vancouver’s first alley, and home to a number of local businesses. In fact, there were even stables and a broom factory. Today, the popular backstreet is located between Water and Cordova streets, running from Carrall to Cambie; however, it technically only refers to the cobblestoned Blood Alley Square. With that being said, most people consider the alley in its entirety to be part of it. The passageway offers a plethora of unique and renowned dining experiences, as well as local shopping. In addition, tourists enjoy walking tours through its cobblestoned path, and learning about its long and fascinating history. From: 604now.com and Donald Luxton and Associates  604now.com and Donald Luxton and Associates

Slideshow by Raven Metal Products 2019