The original building of the Lim Sai Hor Kow Mock Association was constructed by the Chinese Empire Reform Association on Carrall Street.
It was later connected with another independent building on Shanghai Alley. The connected building was believed to be constructed between 1908 to 1912.
As the Qing Dynasty was overthrown and Dr. Sun Yat Sen established the government of the Republic of China, the influence of the Chinese Empire Reform Association began to wane. The Lim Sai Hor Kow Mock Association purchased the building from the Chinese Empire Reform Association in 1945. After a year of refurbishing, the Lim Association officially opened the building to serve the public on 531 Carrall Street on March 24th, 1946.
In 2003, the project to restore the hundred year old historical building began. In 2008, Lim Sai Hor Kow Mock Association received a $100,000 grant from the City of Vancouver, and contributed $20,000 from its own coffers to fund a restoration feasibility study. The feasibility and planning study was completed in 2010 by a consultation team led by architect Joe Wai. The plan continued detailed information of the condition of the building and a restoration plan. The restoration plan projected budget ranged from $1.75 - $3.75 million. The association is currently fundraising and seeking funding to restore the building to its original condition.
Completed in 1903, this Historic Heritage Building was originally the headquarters for the Qing Dynasty era Chinese Empire Reform Association.
It is the oldest of the twelve Heritage Society Buildings in Vancouver’s Historic Chinatown. It is the also the only Heritage Society Building with double-fronting façades - facing Carrall Street Greenway and Historic Shanghai Alley.
A 2017 rehabilitation project restored the exterior balcony details, lighting and other distinctive features that reflect the exchange between China and Canada, influencing the traditional village house style and blending it with modern western design trends. The use of green as an accent colour in the interior and exterior is a nod to the members’ surname which means “forest.” The building is home to an ancestral altar built in 1993 and used by society members.
Timeline
The Lim Sai Hor Association was established in 1908 in Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia. Later, the government of the time saw the transportation and geographical advantages of Vancouver and intentionally began developing Vancouver as an industrial hub for the province. As many of the industrial establishments and businesses moved to Vancouver, the city of Victoria experienced a period of bust.
Around 1914, many workers of Chinese heritage relocated to Vancouver to seek employment. Vancouver’s population experienced a sudden growth to over 10,000 people, many of whom are from the Lim clan. The Lim Sai Hor Benevolent Association was already established at the time with the mandate of providing mutual support, emergency aid, and the strengthening of clan relations and connection. When the association was initially established, it struggled due to limited labour and financial capacity, and the original rented site where services were delivered was small and crude.
In 1922, the association moved to a more spacious location and renovated it into a sizable establishment. The work of the association was reinvigorated with this move.
In 1926, the Lim Sai Hor Association in Vancouver received the endorsement of various Lim Associations to become the headquarters of all Lim Associations. The Kow Mock Association was established at the same time.
In 1929, the association successfully registered nonprofit organization status.
In 1933, the association merged with the headquarters association, and the two associations combined their name into Lim Sai Hor Kow Mock Benevolent Association with the merger.
In 1944, the association purchased the current building through round lot, or the 100 stock share method. After renovations, it held roughly 30 rooms which provided low cost lodging for clan members. The collective lodging also facilitated the provision of mutual aid and support for newcomer clan members.