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GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION: 508 Douglas Street, Victoria, B.C.
The school is located on Douglas Street, historically named Park Road. It faces the northwestern corner of Beacon Hill Park. This site was chosen for the school because of its proximity to the park area on the south side of Michigan Street. This park was used as a playground area which was not available on the actual school site (Restoration Division, Heritage Conservation Branch. Restoration Programme Feasibility Study South Park School and Annex. Historical Data). The area surrounding the school was originally single family residential and today is a mix of residental, government offices, and parking lots.
DATE OF CONSTRUCTION:
1894
ARCHITECT:
W.R. Wilson was born in 1863 in Hong-Gow, China (Martin Segger and Douglas Franklin. Exploring Victoria's Architecture. p. 310). Having developed an interest in architecture during his late teens, he moved to London, England, where he began his career as an architect. During his first four years in Europe, he articled with an architectural firm in Liverpool. Following that, he found employment in the office of Sir Horace Jones, City Architect of London. In addition to finding work under established firms, Wilson gave lectures at the Royal Academy on building construction.
Having been exposed to the architecture of England, Wilson brought the same ideas and styles to Victoria; most notably the High Victorian architectural style. Arriving in 1887, he opened his own office in the Spencer Arcade and in the following year joined in a partnership with E. H. Fisher. Over the years, this partnership produced numerous buildings in both Vancouver and Victoria, B.C.
William Ridgeway Wilson maintained his practice until 1940. Throughout his career he was able to demonstrate his interest and understanding of High Victorian styles. He led a prolific career as an architect, and before his death at the age of 94, he left behind him many prominent buildings in Victoria. These include the "Gypswyck", now the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria; Bay Street Armoury; St. John's Anglican Church; and South Park School.
CONTRACTOR:
J.G. Brown.
OWNER OF THE BUILDING
PAST: The original owner of the building was the Victoria School Board.
PRESENT: 1998 Greater Victoria School Board, District #61.
The School Board was involved in the restoration project in the 1980's
USE OF THE BUILDING
PAST: Education
PRESENT: Education |