Frank & Leah Purvis Residence

Built in 1939, the Frank & Leah Purvis Residence is significant for its association with the ongoing development of Queen’s Park during the interwar period. The historic character of Queen’s Park is based on its consistent streetscapes of fine restored homes, augmented by mature landscaping.

Furthermore, the Frank & Leah Purvis Residence is valued as an example of Period Revival architecture and illustrates a conscious shift to a simpler style, facilitated by the social and economic consciousness of the interwar period. At the time, houses were expected to display some sort of historical reference in order to demonstrate the owner’s good taste. This was especially important in the more prestigious neighbourhoods such as Queen’s Park and demonstrates an underlying conservatism in this tightly-knit neighbourhood. An efficient and rational floor plan, including rooms closely arranged around a central hallway, reflected the reality that most families could no longer afford domestic help. The first owners were long-time New Westminster residents, Francis William Purvis (1887-1981) and his wife Leah (née Marshall, 1896-1980).