Exterior view of the Jean Burns Building, 2004
Photo: City of Nanaimo, Christine Meutzner, 2004
- Built
- 1955
- Recognized
- 2002
- By
- Local government
The register’s text, word for word
Description
The Jean Burns Building is a two-storey, International style building situated at a key intersection in downtown Nanaimo. The historic place is confined to the building footprint.
Heritage value
Designed by prominent local architect Thomas McArravy and built in 1955, the Jean Burns Building is a good example of the International style. A notable design feature is the 2nd floor access stairway which is exposed to the street by a paneled glass wall. The building has been renovated but remains largely intact and represents an important trend towards a more modern, progressive architecture in post-war Nanaimo.
The building is significant for its association with Jean Burns, who operated a Ladies and Children's Wear Shop from this site for over forty years. Burns opened branches at other Vancouver Island locations and is best remembered for the elegant, upscale merchandise and service she provided.
The Jean Burns Building forms part of a significant cluster of heritage buildings located at the intersection of Commercial and Wallace Streets and Victoria Crescent. The building backs onto a significant pedestrian thoroughfare called the China Steps in honor of the early Chinese settlement once located in the area.
SourceCity of Nanaimo, Development Services Department, file #6800-20-H01-02/6-10 Commercial Street
Character‑defining elements
Character-defining elements of the Jean Burns Building include:
-All of the elements of the International Style as expressed in the simple horizontal form, concrete and glass construction, smooth and uniform wall surfaces and glass paneled stairway wall.
-The location within a cluster of heritage buildings at a prominent downtown intersection and adjacent to a heritage interpretation site.
End of the register’s text
Location
6 Commercial Street, Nanaimo, British Columbia, V9R, Canada
49.16400° N, 123.93600° W
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From the Canadian Register of Historic Places, as last updated on December 12, 2025. The register’s text is shown word for word.