Generations of Vancouver residents have passed a distinctive white neo-classical building at the corner of West 12th Avenue and Cypress Street in Kitsilano. This year, the Second Church of Christ, Scientist celebrated its 100th anniversary not just with reflection, but with a significant restoration project that has returned the landmark to its original glory.
A Century-Old Landmark Reborn
The church, which first opened its doors on October 4, 1925, had been shrouded in white plastic wrap since February as the work progressed. This week, the scaffolding came down to reveal a structure as bright and pristine as it was a century ago. The congregation undertook the project to provide much-needed care for the aging building, ensuring its legacy for future generations.
Donald Kydd, a representative of the church, shared a fascinating detail about the new exterior. The paint used is a specialized product from a German company called Keim. "Apparently, they use it on the White House and buildings that they expect to last another 100 years," Kydd explained. "It's like Gore-Tex, because it breathes." The choice creates an apt, if unintentional, architectural nod to the famous American building.
Addressing a Century of Wear and Tear
The restoration, handled by a crew of six from Rhino Design, was a detailed process of discovery and repair. Workers encountered and fixed several issues critical to the building's longevity. Moisture infiltration was a key challenge, stemming from sections of the basement that still had dirt floors. The team addressed this by covering the areas with a white liner and installing dehumidifiers.
Additional water damage was traced to rusted flashing on the roof, which was completely replaced. The team also managed an abatement process for small amounts of asbestos found in the stucco. Behind this exterior, the building's original structure from the 1920s—large red bricks—required some repairs. Inside the auditorium, a thin layer of drywall was added over some of the original plaster and lathe walls, and all 62 of the church's windows were refreshed.
Preserving Architectural and Acoustic Character
While the restoration addressed structural needs, it also preserved the unique features that define the space. The building's unusual octagonal, eight-sided shape remains a signature element. Kydd isn't certain of the architectural reason for the design but notes a wonderful acoustic benefit. "It beautifully handles the music, because the music kind of bounces around (the auditorium)," he said. "It doesn't go down a narrow space."
The interior's appearance of newness extends to the 500-seat auditorium's pews and carpet. Interestingly, these items were not part of the recent renovation. The church has maintained them in immaculate condition for decades; the carpet was installed 40 or 50 years ago.
With the restoration now complete, the Second Church of Christ, Scientist stands not only as a restored piece of Vancouver's architectural heritage but as a testament to a community's commitment to preserving its history for the next century.