The Swift Canadian Packing House and Office Building occupies the entire lot in Gastown, at 21 Water Street in Vancouver. It was built in 1912 as a four-story meat warehouse and packing plant, and it was designed to be fireproof.
In 1918, a two-story addition was added to the east end, and then an additional two stories were added in 1925 for office space.
Gastown was the earliest section of Vancouver to house commercial buildings and warehouses. It is located at a major point between the Pacific shipping routes and the railway terminus.
Another interesting fact about this location is that the first butcher in Gastown was also located here. George Black built his butcher shop here in 1868. In 1885, he sold the property to Alfred Coughtrey who then sold it to Volkenburg & Brothers around 1888. The latter would then sell his business to B.C. Cattle Co. Ltd., which would become Swift Canadian Co. Ltd.
In 1969, the Packing House was converted into commercial office building space.
Historical Marker Inscription
Originally built as The Sunnyside Hotel in 1874, the property was devastated by the Great Vancouver Fire in 1886. It was rebuilt and operated as The Alexandra Hotel for several years.
As of 1912, the building was home to Swift Canadian Company, a meat warehouse and cold storage plant. In 1918, a two story addition was constructed to the east. The massive form and notable height of this structure indicated the extent and prosperity of wholesale trade during that period.
Low Tide Properties acquired the building in 2011 from George Lee, a well known proprietor in Gastown. The building was substantively modernized and is now used as office space for creative and high-technology companies.
For a unique view of the building, stand at the corner of Carrall Street and Water Street, and look up to the east façade.
Low Tide Properties, 2021
Historical Markers of the World 