See How Kelowna Has Grown and Changed Over The Years

Longtime residents of Kelowna are familiar with the changes that have taken place in the city over the last several decades. When a city's population grows by nearly 20% in 10 years, as Kelowna's did in the 2000s, you often see a surge in development to accommodate housing needs and changing infrastructure. Several large developments and buildings are currently under construction, ushering in the next chapter of life in the Okanagan's largest city.

Rooted in tradition and local history, Kelowna’s downtown, master-planned community Central Green takes cues from the past with heritage inspired architecture. Created from a collaboration between the City of Kelowna and local home builders Mission Group, Central Green will blend modern interiors with a timeless look for the exterior of the buildings. Located on the former site of Kelowna Secondary School, Central Green will stand amongst local landmarks, such as Central School (established over 100 years ago) and the Kelowna Boys and Girls Club.

<who>Photo Credit: Old Kelowna/BC Archives</who>The site of Central Green was previously the home of Kelowna High School, now known as Kelowna Secondary School. (Circa 1952)

“We began the process of ‘going back in time’ to draw upon some of the most iconic architectural designs, and began to carefully implement them into the design of Central Green, explained Mission Group Marketing Coordinator Holly Lansdowne. “Central Green’s classic heritage-inspired architecture includes prominent accents of schoolhouse brick, cornice roofline ledges, oversized transom windows, and wrought-iron-inspired fencing.”

<who>Photo Credit: Old Kelowna/Central Okanagan Heritage Society</who> Central School, constructed in 1913 due to rapid population growth after the first World War, sits directly across Richter Street from the Central Green development. These photos show Central School as it was in 1921, and as it is today.

While history and heritage is a key design and building concept of Central Green, the building is brought into the present as a LEED Certified designed building. The community will be well-connected to other neighbourhoods and the future 5-acre Rowcliffe Park, allowing for a reduced need for vehicle transportation. Also nearby are a number of great amenities, including beaches, shopping, dining, and outdoor recreation.

Now that we know what is in store for the new hub of Kelowna, let’s look back at what this gorgeous city has grown from.

<who>Photo Credit: Old Kelowna/delcampe.net</who> Kelowna's City Hall in downtown Kelowna has seen a few visual upgrades in its day, but continues to be the home of Kelowna's future. (Circa 1960)

<who>Photo Credit: Old Kelowna/SFU Library Digital Collections</who>In 1945, Kelowna Memorial Arena was built thanks to a memorial fund given to the city due to World War ll. The previous home of the Kelowna Rockets is known for its unusually small ice surface of 180' by 80'. Chances are that if you played, or currently play, ice hockey in Kelowna, you've played at Memorial Arena. (Circa 1950)

<who>Photo Credit: Old Kelowna</who> Long before stock cars raced the oval track at the base of Knox Mountain, horse races provided loads of entertainment for Kelowna residents. (Circa 1940s)

<who>Photo Credit: Old Kelowna/Ribelin Photo</who> While the view down Bernard Avenue hasn't changed much since the 40's, the cars parked along the side of the street certainly have. (Circa 1940s)

<who>Photo Credit: Old Kelowna/delcampe.net</who>The first "water" Kelowna Regatta was held in 1906, attracting crowds of attendees down to the waterfront to witness a number of boating events. The Kelowna Regatta quickly became a huge success and an annual event that strengthened Kelowna's tourism industry. (Circa 1910)

<who>Photo Credit: Old Kelowna/delcampe.net</who>Named after a variety of cherry, Kelowna's Royal Anne Hotel on Bernard Avenue has seen many guests stay and enjoy the city. As Kelowna is a major tourism hub, the heritage hotel has hosted guests from all over the world at its downtown location. (Circa 1939)

<who>Photo Credit: Old Kelowna/BC Archives</who>Today we race Sea-Doos and ride the wake on wakeboards, but all the rage at the Kelowna Regatta back in the 1970s, were hydroplane races. Regatta attendees watched from the shore as the hydroplanes soared across Okanagan Lake at the annual event. (Circa 1972)

<who>Photo Credit: Old Kelowna/Wikimedia Commons</who> An industry that has held its ground in Kelowna is the orchard industry. Since Kelowna's early days, picking and selling fruit has been a common career and has put the city on the map in the way of fruit and wine. (Circa 1910)

“Mission Group didn’t want to just build a regular community; we wanted to take the best of the past and carry it into the future,” said Lansdowne.

Central Green is sure to inspire nostalgia in Kelowna residents, as well as attract them to exceptional living in the downtown core. By combining the best of Kelowna's heritage alongside modern lifestyle needs and design aesthetics, Central Green sets the standard for development in Kelowna.

<who>Photo Credit: Contributed</who>Central Green will offer luxurious living in downtown Kelowna, while paying respect to the rich history of the city and its architecture.

This look back at where we have come from has been brought to you thanks to the cooperation of Shona Harrison of Old Kelowna and the Central Okanagan Heritage Society.

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