Chloe’s Architect Has Deep Roots In The Neighbourhood Hugh Magee was one of Kerrisdale’s earliest and most successful European settlers. His great-great-grandson is proud to be the architect for Chloe — a chic new residential community that the neighbourhood will be proud of.
NEIGHBOURHOOD P R I D E A N D J OY When Vicky Zheng first strolled the leafy streets of Kerrisdale, she was charmed by the neighbourhood. Its deep history and sense of community were apparent in the many independent businesses that had served a loyal clientele for decades. Elegant heritage homes with lush gardens graced its generous avenues. One-of-a-kind shopfronts radiated character, evoking the quiet gentility of European high streets. The fashion boutiques, florists, sidewalk cafes, and bakeries reminded her of Paris. As president of Matchpoint Development, Vicky has a professional eye for the details that make a neighbourhood special, and she saw that Kerrisdale had those qualities in abundance. She made Kerrisdale her home in 2008, and her love for the community grew as she came to know it even better. After her company purchased the development site on West 48th Avenue and East Boulevard, she met with Bryce Rositch, owner of R.H. Architects. She told him she had a vision for the project. “I wanted to build something
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that did true justice to Kerrisdale and all that it represents – nature, culture, community and heritage. I wanted to create something that Kerrisdale would be proud of” Vicky says. A KERRISDALE PIONEER Bryce was one hundred percent behind her because it just so happened that Kerrisdale meant something special to him as well. He pointed out that Magee High School, roughly a block from the site, was named after his great-great grandfather, Hugh Magee, who emigrated from Ireland in 1858 and established a farm that would eventually encompass much of what we now call Kerrisdale. The family farm was built on West 48th Avenue, right on Matchpoint’s property. Like many pioneers, Magee was a visionary who made a significant impact on his new home. The local stop on the Interurban rail line, which connected Vancouver with Steveston, was called Magee Station. Magee Road, that once stretched from Blenheim to Granville Street, is now known as 49th Avenue. The Magee family history is woven throughout Kerrisdale.
September 1 - November 15, 2021
KerrisdaleInsider.com
