North Vancouver Masonic Temple

Built in 1911, the heritage value of this structure lies in its continuous association with the Masonic Order, which still uses the upper floors for its meetings. The Masons are the oldest and largest fraternal organization in the world, and represent virtually every occupation, profession and ideology. This Temple, built for the Burrard Lodge No. 50 and known as the Duke of Connaught Lodge, was an important component of early community building, as a place for professionals, businessmen and tradesmen to meet on an equal level.

Additionally, the North Vancouver Masonic Temple is valued as an example of fraternal halls from the Edwardian era. It is typical of such a design, with street level commercial and retail space that could be rented out to benefit the organization with additional income. As a result, the first storey of the building is comprised of commercial spaces with large plate glass display windows and recessed entries that flank the central entrance leading to the upper-storey meeting hall and meeting rooms. Furthermore, it is significant for its Mission Revival influence, a style rarely seen in the local context. Typical of the Masonic order, the entry displays a Neoclassical influence in its use of pilasters, cushion frieze and triangular pediment.

The North Vancouver Masonic Temple is also significant as an example of the work of architect Archibald Campbell Hope (1870-1942), who had an architectural practice in Vancouver for over thirty years, was known for his proficiency as a designer of institutional buildings, especially schools. His many commissions included the Provincial Normal School (1908) and Simon Fraser School (1908-9) in Vancouver, and he was the first architect to be hired as a consulting architect by the Vancouver School Board.