The Historical O'Keefe
Tapestry’s prominent nine-storey redbrick tower has an interesting story to tell. The modern version of the tower was designed and built as a tribute to Kitsilano and the early years of the Arbutus Walk site.
Located on the site of the former Carling O'Keefe brewery, Tapestry at The O'Keefe – Arbutus Walk is designed to emulate the original brewery built in the early 1900s. The building’s central architectural feature is an exact replica of the original "Brewer's Tower" paying tribute to a bygone era as a new landmark and neighbourhood heritage preservation.
The Brewery
In 1840, Thomas Carling began a small brewing operation in London, ON selling beer to soldiers at the local military camp. When he died, his sons William and John took over; naming it the W & J Carling Brewing Co. John Carling became a prominent figure in Canadian business and politics and was later knighted in 1893. Sir John Carling died in 1911 and the company has changed hands numerous times since.
In 1862, Eugene O'Keefe arrived in Canada and created the O'Keefe Breweries.
Vancouver Breweries was opened in 1919 by German entrepreneurs, Conrad and Henry Reifel. The Reifel family owned three breweries and ran them quite successfully for several years and later sold Vancouver Breweries to Carling O'Keefe.
Carling and Rothman Breweries merged in 1969 and resulted in a new brewer called Carling O'Keefe in 1973. Carling O'Keefe was bought by Elders IXL of Australia in 1987 and later merged with Molson to form Molson Breweries Canada in 1989.
The Present
The interior arch of the original tower straddled rail spurs. The tracks permitted train cars to enter the brewery with hops and yeast and exit with freshly-brewed beer. Today's tower also allows for traffic to pass beneath it, but now in the form of residential cars, visitors and neighbourly strolls.
Towers from both eras address a Romanesque revival style, with today's spire serving as a lasting legacy of the early brewery and the site's rich history and role in quenching Vancouver's thirst. A worthwhile visit, the tower stands as a prominent local landmark and promises everyone a brief glimpse into Kitsilano's early years.