A rare opportunity has arisen for architecture enthusiasts and those with an eye for design. A house, crafted by the renowned Vancouver architect Barry Downs, is now up for sale, offering a unique piece of architectural history for under $5 million.
Barry Downs, a legend in Vancouver's architectural scene, left an indelible mark on the city's landscape. His collaborations on iconic structures like Canada Place and the downtown Vancouver library solidified his reputation as a visionary. But his influence extends beyond these grand projects.
In the early stages of his career, Downs worked alongside another architectural luminary, Fred Hollingsworth, as part of the West Coast Modernism movement. This movement, a defining feature of Vancouver's architectural identity, produced some of the city's most distinctive homes. One such home is Madrona House, a four-bedroom, five-bathroom masterpiece in West Vancouver.
Originally constructed in 1967, Madrona House underwent a renovation in 2020, with Downs himself involved in the process until his passing in 2022 at the age of 92. Now, this architectural gem is back on the market, offering a unique glimpse into the past and a chance to own a piece of Vancouver's history.
The current owners, Tanya and Scott McMillan, purchased the property in 2017 with the intention of updating it while preserving its unique character. They engaged Cedric Burgers, an architect, to oversee the renovation. The post-and-beam style of the house presented a challenge for any addition, but Burgers found an innovative solution.
"You can't just add on to a house like this; it's too delicate," Burgers explains. "The only option was to expand into the rear yard."
But here's where it gets interesting. The McMillans wanted to ensure that Downs, who lived nearby, was involved in the process. They reached out to him, and he graciously accepted, offering his insights and expertise.
"Barry lived close to Whytecliff Park," Burgers recalls. "It was a huge advantage as he could easily drop by."
Tanya adds, "We wanted to evolve the design, and Barry was more than happy to help. He was a delight to work with."
The group took a walk through the house, and Downs shared his thoughts on the original design. Tanya remembers, "He touched the cedar walls with such care and spoke passionately about the house's design."
The architects discussed how to meet the owners' requests while maintaining the integrity of the space. Burgers says, "Barry was quiet but very willing. He was a lovely man, and it was an honor to work with him."
Burgers believes that, given the technological advancements since the '60s, architects of that era would have embraced modern tools to make similar choices. After the meeting, Downs wrote a letter supporting the project to the District of West Vancouver.
The McMillans moved into Madrona House after the renovations in 2020, but now they're moving on to pursue a new opportunity. Tanya emphasizes, "This house needs an owner who truly appreciates its architectural significance and design."
So, if you're in the market for a unique home with a rich architectural history, Madrona House might just be the perfect fit. It's a chance to own a piece of Vancouver's past and a testament to the enduring legacy of Barry Downs.
