310 West Cordova Street

The value of 310 West Cordova Street, built as a restaurant between 1913 and 1914, lies in its historic relationship between this area and the economy of early Vancouver, and as part of the historic commercial streetscape. Originally known as the Index Restaurant, the building became known as the Washington Café in 1916, and was typical of the structures that were constructed to house the many businesses that serviced the growing population of the area. As one of three cafes in close proximity, The Washington Café served the culinary needs of many travelers to the area and residents of nearby hotels.

There is also significance in the relatively unadorned architectural styling of 310 West Cordova Street. This type of two- or three-storey facade is common in late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century commercial structures and presents a contrast to the larger buildings and their highly decorated facades to the east on Hastings Street.