Burr Block Celebrates Birthday With Bash

Burr Block Celebrates Birthday With Bash

It survived the great fire that destroyed much of downtown New Westminster in 1892 and years of neglect that left it looking a little worse for wear.

But beginning Sunday the Burr Block on Columbia Street will be celebrating its 120th anniversary with renewed vigour and a week of celebrations.

Now home to the 26-room boutique Met Hotel and the Met Bar & Grill, the Burr Block was built in 1892 when money was flooding into New Westminster. Named for its original owner, William H. Burr, it was designed by local architect George William Grant, who also designed the old court house on Carnarvon Street, St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church on Carnarvon, Knox Presbyterian Church in Sapperton, as well as numerous residences, and commercial buildings throughout the city.

Six years later, the Burr's unglazed bricks, terracotta ornaments and tall, arched windows was one of only two commercial buildings downtown that wasn't destroyed by the blaze.

The birthday party for the Burr Block kicks off on Sunday at 1 p.m. with cake and tours of the hotel. All week The Met Bar and Grill will feature a special three course roast beef dinner for $18.92 as well as numerous other specials and nightly draws. The party wraps up next Saturday with a live band.

"We are thrilled to be a part of this city's unique story," said Craig Brennan, the general manager of the bar and grill. "There is a real sense of civic pride happening all around us."

Mario Bartel, New Westminster Newsleader

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