Vancouver's historic Taylor Manor transformed into homeless housing (PHOTOS)

Dec 19 2017, 10:27 pm

East Vancouver’s 100-year-old Taylor Manor reopened this week following an extensive two-year, $14.5 million renovation to convert it into a property that houses homeless people.

The historic four-storey complex, located on Boundary Road and Adanac Street, now possesses 56 residential units of new supportive housing for people on the street living with mental illness or addictions.

There are public amenities and spaces for residents to use, such as kitchen and dining facilities, reading, lounge and television areas, and a courtyard with a BBQ deck and community garden. Mental health workers will also be available for residents around the clock.

“When we know that 93% of Vancouver’s homeless population faces either a mental illness or addiction, the opening of this unique project is an important milestone in our work together to end street homelessness and to help residents transition into healthier, safer, and more hopeful lives,” said Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson.

The City of Vancouver contributed $3.1 million towards the renovation costs and provided the lands and original building, which has an assessed value of $2.7 million. Another $10 million was provided by the provincial government while the remaining costs were covered by the private sector – donations from Vancity and the Carraresi Foundation.

The Kettle Friendship Society will operate the facility and a generous anonymous benefactor has agreed to fund the annual operational and maintenance costs of the site.

Taylor Manor was built by the municipal government in 1915 as a care home for low-income seniors. It was renamed as Taylor Manor in 1946 to honour Louis D. Taylor, an eight-term Vancouver mayor who died in poverty.

More social housing projects are being built and planned for Vancouver. The City aims to add 5,000 units of non-market or social housing by 2021.

Image: Kettle Friendship Society

Image: Kettle Friendship Society

Image: Kettle Friendship Society

Image: Kettle Friendship Society

Image: Kettle Friendship Society

Image: Kettle Friendship Society

Image: Kettle Friendship Society

Image: Kettle Friendship Society

Image: Kettle Friendship Society

Image: Kettle Friendship Society

Image: Kettle Friendship Society

Image: Kettle Friendship Society

Image: Kettle Friendship Society

Image: Kettle Friendship Society

Image: Kettle Friendship Society

Image: Kettle Friendship Society

Image: Kettle Friendship Society

Image: Kettle Friendship Society

Image: Kettle Friendship Society

Image: Kettle Friendship Society

Image: Kettle Friendship Society

Image: Kettle Friendship Society

Image: Kettle Friendship Society

Image: Kettle Friendship Society

Image: City of Vancouver

Image: City of Vancouver

DH Vancouver StaffDH Vancouver Staff

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