“Kitsilano Neighbourhood House (Kits House) is a registered non-profit, charity organization dedicated to meeting the needs of those most vulnerable as well as providing an opportunity for everybody in our community to get together and be engaged.”
First opening its doors in 1894, Kits House was originally named the Alexandra Orphanage and Non-Sectarian Home Society. Over the years the Neighbourhood House has undergone many changes. The name Alexandra Orphanage and Non-Sectation Home Society was modified to simply Alexandra House in 1938, and in 1972 the House moved from 7th and Pine to its current location at 7th and Vine, bringing with its new location a new name: Kitsilano Neighbourhood House.
The Neighbourhood House is a valuable partnership between individuals, neighbours, government, and private enterprise; it’s an organization devoted to improving the community as a whole, integrating the various communities of Kitsilano, Arbutus Ridge, and Point Grey.
The most recent changes to Kits House involve major revisions to the house and surrounding landscape. Presently, Sharp & Diamond Landscape Architecture is working closely with Sean McEwen Architect, Paul Ackerman at Kindred Construction, and Paul Dirks Design Built Landscapes to finish this unique mixed-use cultural centre, day care, seniors housing, and community centre deep in the heart of Kitsilano.
Grand Opening celebrations are planned for this Fall, 2014. For more information and to contribute, please visit http://www.kitshouse.org.