Taken from a room in the Del Mar Inn at 555 Hamilton St., this picture of the small Delmar hotel and the BC Hydro tower behind it is a reflection off the windows of the VCC Downtown Campus. And the Del Mar itself creates a great deal of reflection. This Edwardian hotel was built in 1912, designed by architect William P.White, who also was the architect of the Sylvia Hotel. George Riste, who became a successful local property owner, bought the Del Mar in the 60’s. Mr. Riste, who recently died at the age of 89, will be remembered as a great friend of the arts and affordable housing. Coming from a poor background himself, Mr. Riste always provided clean, affordable rooms for his low-income tenants. He simultaneously supported the arts by providing space on the main floor of the Del Mar for various art galleries beginning with the Bau-Xi Gallery in the mid-60’s and presently the Or Gallery. In fact, it’s probably the longest continuously running gallery space in the city.

Beginning in the early 80’s, BC Hydro who owned all the land surrounding the Del Mar wanted Mr. Riste to sell his hotel to build their present office tower. For a period of 10 years, they campaigned for Mr. Riste to sell, asking him more than 100 times. Mr. Riste resisted all the offers which is admirably expressed in the copper plated text mounted as a frieze above the Del Mar’s entrance: UNLIMITED GROWTH INCREASES THE DIVIDE. Mr. Riste felt the surging growth of highrises would not allow for small shopkeepers and, in particular, not provide space for affordable housing like the Del Mar. Fortunately, his children and widow will carry on his legacy and maintain the low-rent hotel and art gallery space.

Today, the little Del Mar Inn stands as a monument just as grand as the massive Hydro building behind it, holding its own against “the tide of progress.”

The City of Vancouver has declared December 22, 2010 - George Riste Day.