The Homer 377 Smithe St Vancouver, BC V6B 2C8

The Homer is an outstanding resource from its era principally because much of its fine original form and details are intact and in repairable condition. Built in 1913, it is also historically important as a record of the transition of the area, from one composed largely of single-family residences to a more densely-populated mix of uses, before the Great War. It is of value as an early multi-unit apartment conveniently located in an intensely developed area of downtown. The architectural significance of The Homer lies in its prominent corner location and its construction at the end of the city’s Edwardian development boom. The building’s exterior is representative of good speculative development: the classically-derived exterior composition of base, body and capital regions; the substantial brick base to the wall assemblies and between bays on the floors above; the dominant window bays on the second and third floors overhanging the public space; and the substantial cornice-work with classically-inspired details in relief.