This HuffPost Canada page is maintained as part of an online archive.

Vancouver Laneway Homes On Display In Heritage Tour (PHOTOS)

Vancouver Laneway Homes Older Than You Think
Urban Lanehomes

With all the focus on laneway housing these days, it may surprise you to learn the first of those designs was built in Vancouver in the 1890s.

Back then, laneway houses were built for the same reason they're garnering attention today: to provide affordable housing and additional income for property owners, and maximize density. They were often used as temporary living spaces while the main residence was being built, or as secondary housing for staff or guests, according to the Vancouver Heritage Foundation.

One of Vancouver's original laneway homes will be part of the foundation's laneway house tour on Oct. 25.

Six recently built laneway homes that highlight the latest trends and designs, as well as a Paul Merrick-designed house that was featured in Western Living in 1990 will be among the other tour stops.

The design became widely known in Vancouver after the city's laneway housing initiative took effect in 2009.

Here's a look at what's in store on the tour:

Vancouver Heritage Foundation Laneway House Tour 2014

Close
This HuffPost Canada page is maintained as part of an online archive. If you have questions or concerns, please check our FAQ or contact support@huffpost.com.