Helmcken
House
Construction and
Restoration
Architectural Plans |
Construction |
Restoration |
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Examples of blueprints relating to Helmcken House. |
Go back to the time of the original construction of Helmcken House. |
Information on the efforts to restore the house. |
An Introduction
Browse this section to see more closely how Helmcken House was built and how it became what it is today, a striking heritage site. Learn of the construction methods and anecdotes from when Dr. Helmcken first began his family's home. View the available architectural plans of the present day building, and discover what has been done to restore and preserve the building.
Location: Helmcken House is situated in Victoria B.C. on what was once Elliot Street, which ran east to west between Douglas and Government Streets. Now it is more commonly known to be sandwiched between Thunderbird Park, at the corner Belleville and Douglas Streets, and the Royal British Columbia Museum. For a location map visit the architectural drawings section.
Significance: It is of great interest and significance historically because it is one of the oldest surviving buildings in Victoria, began in 1852. But also because it was the home of Dr. John Sebastian Helmcken, an early settler to this region when what is now known as Victoria was only a Fort in the British Colony of Vancouver Island.
It's structure is also unique, especially in the manner in which it was built. In the oldest part the walls are of Hudson Bay Company construction, a specialized type of log construction. Yet the most recent addition, added in 1884, is balloon framed.
Dr. Helmcken gave his impression of building his first home in his reminiscences, which he began to write in 1892. This small three room dwelling was named "Arbutus Lodge" by Helmcken's wife, Cecilia.
Modern day restorations have yielded good results in preserving this Heritage Branch property. A highlight is the comparison of the old house to the now restored version in the first page of the restoration section.
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