Jan 25, 2016 |
Nanaimo's great heritage can be spotted throughout the city. And we can certainly see it as we make our way past buildings that have been here since we were a burgeoning coal town. They may change over time but these symbols of yesterday continue to be part of who we are as a community today.
One such building is the old Willard Service Station. Built around 1910, this commercial building located on the corner of Wallace and Fitzwilliam marks the east entrance to what is now known as the Old City Quarter.
The building has had several tenants over the years including the original Willard Service Station, a fish and chips restaurant, tire and battery shop, Nanaimo's first radio station (CFDC) and it even featured apartments behind the Fitzwilliam storefront. Since 1991, New York Style Pizza has called this place home.
It has also been known as an outdoor art gallery since the mid-1990's. The exterior west wall is used to showcase local art.
To learn more about this and other buildings that are quintessentially Nanaimo, visit the Heritage Registry on the City website.