Silas Fader House (1911) – Queen’s Court Apartments
Queen’s Court, an architectural gem dating back to 1911, stands as one of New Westminster’s earliest apartment buildings.
Suite No. 3 in Queen’s Court Apartments is one of ten spacious 1- and 2-bedroom apartments, each preserving the elegance of its Edwardian roots. The suites have many features no longer available in apartment construction today; a separate and large dining room, nine-foot ceilings, fir floors, picture rails, and large windows with Gothic-paned upper sashes. Edwardian woodwork with decorative corner pieces on the wide baseboards, paneled doors, and interior leaded windows are all authentic details that mirror the architectural features of the original Silas Fader House.
The original Silas Fader House faced Park Row, where in 1909, Car 39 took passengers into town.
But long before the apartments, this property had a fascinating past life. In 1880, Annieville Cannery owner David Hennesey and his wife Subina built their Italianate villa on this prominent site adjacent to Clinton Place, one of the City’s historic parks. Hennesey, who hailed from New Brunswick, was one of the pioneers of the salmon canning industry. When other cannery owners, including Thomas Laidlaw and Marshall English, built grand homes nearby, Park Row was nicknamed “Sockeye Run”.
The Hennesey family lived here until the turn of the century when the house was purchased in 1908 and transformed into a handsome new home for Silas Fader. In 1911, Fader hired local architect E.G.W. Sait to design and construct a new apartment house addition to his home. Sait often collaborated with Silas’ brother, prominent businessman Elijah J. Fader, who financed such projects for Silas. Sait also designed what is now the Bernie Legge Theatre, 105 Third Ave and 109 St. Patrick, among others.
The apartment house was completed for $20,000 by contractor C. Ackerman. Access to the apartments was provided through a newly constructed lobby entrance on Second Street. Meanwhile, the Fader family enjoyed their own private entrance and verandah on Park Row, overlooking Royal Avenue and the magnificent views of the Fraser River.
Today, Suite No. 3’s footprint remains unchanged, its original charm echoes the grandeur of its predecessor. The original corner sink and wainscoting in the bathroom, crafted from horizontal v-joint fir, add to the suite’s character. A concealed pantry located behind the fridge is accessible from both the kitchen and a door in the small hallway. The bedroom boasts two spacious walk-in closets, adding to the suite’s functionality and appeal.
Queen’s Court Apartments was showcased in a documentary by Deni Loubert, a video journalist and documentary filmmaker at New West Community TV. The documentary highlighted three homes from this year’s tour, including the George Henderson House. You can find this segment starting at 9:43 in the presentation.
The current resident has personalized the space with wicker light fixtures and a whimsical hallway chandelier. The bathroom and kitchen have been tastefully updated, seamlessly blending modern style with historic elegance.
Article by: Colleen McDonald and Jim Wolf
Presented by: Queen’s Park Healthcare Volunteers Society
