Storefronts on Victoria Drive

When it comes to parts of the city that have been holding out from gentrification Victoria Drive is the final frontier. The stretch of stores and businesses that run from 33rd down to 43rd Avenue is truly a big mix of asian influences. No trendy cafe's or foodie type eateries around here. There is a Starbucks near 41st and a Dairy Queen down at 34th but for the most part Victoria Drive is pretty unique compared to other streets in the city. Although many of the buildings are relatively new and undistinguished there are still a few old ones left that have been around for a very long time. One little strip that caught my eye is on the 5700 block on the East side of Victoria near 42nd Avenue.





























Today this little building is home to three different shops. They are the Flying Dragon Hair Salon, the Kim Phung Restaurant, and the Princess Beauty and Figure Salon. The building itself dates from 1950 although to me it looks much older. A search through the City Directory for 1955 lists the businesses as Howe's Men's Wear at 5762, the Victoria Coffee Bar at 5764, and Rosamund's Florist at 5766. The old sign above Kim Phung's dates from a much earlier time and with its distinctive shape no doubt housed a Coca Cola sign. I'm going to have to get back for a straight on shot of these colourful storefronts. But this part of Victoria Drive is very busy in the late afternoon when the light is nice and there are always cars parked out front. Maybe an early morning run is in order!