The seventy-suite apartment was built for Mr. Goldstein in 1912, and was named after his daughter, Sylvia. The building was envisioned by Mr. W.P White, who is also famous for designing the Eaglesea Lodge. Built by Booker, Campbell and Whipple Construction, the apartment towered every other building in the West End at the time and stood as the tallest until 1958. During the hard times of the Depression, the apartment converted to a hotel for many merchant seamen. Leading up to the second World War, suites were converted to rooms to provide accommodation for the merchant-marine crews. After numbers of permanent residents decreased during the sixties, the Sylvia became a full-service hotel. It was a success. Having the first cocktail bar and being a huge attraction for tourists, the Sylvia Hotel became a very famous landmark for the West End of Vancouver. By 1975. the Sylvia was designated by the City of Vancouver as a heritage building, ensuring its survival. It’s been over a hundred years since the Sylvia was built and it remains almost unchanged. It is a favourite spot for many visitors who appreciate its traditional ambience. Written by Wayne H. |