This structure, located near Chinatown’s Millennium Gate, is unique in more ways than one. On the one hand, its “narrow” or “shallow” construction – just 4’ 11” on its ground floor and 6’ 2” on the 2nd level and basement – has earned it the title of narrowest commercial building in the world by Guinness World Records. On the other hand, this handsome edifice highlights the historic and ongoing theme of discrimination against the Asian-Canadian community in this city and, indeed, the country. In this regard, the Sam Kee Building is much more than a curious oddity – it tells a complex story and lesson for those willing to listen.
As always, a dive into history can reveal much: The lot on which the Sam Kee Building sits wasn’t always so narrow. In fact, when Chang Toy – who was known as “Sam Kee” in the non-Asian community – purchased the lot in 1902 it was a standard-sized lot of 30 feet. Ten years later, however, the City of Vancouver decided that it needed to widen one of the streets. As such, they expropriated 24 feet of Mr. Toy’s property, reducing it to its current size. Undeterred by the not-so-subtle anti-Asian sentiment, Mr. Toy wagered $10,000 with one of his friends that he could build a functional structure on the remaining parcel of land. Thus, the Sam Kee Building was “born” in 1913. Back then, the main floor functioned as business space; the basement housed a barber shop and hot bath; and, the upper level was used as sleeping quarters. In 1986, Jack Chow purchased the building and, to this day, it is used to sell insurance under the “Jack Chow Insurance” name, though the business is now run by Ron Chow who, pre-pandemic, also offered tours of the iconic narrow building.
The Sam Kee Building, then, is culturally significant to Vancouver’s Asian community: It stands as a strong and firm symbol of resilience. Mr. Toy was able to spite City Hall and not buckle to their pressures; instead, he worked within the rules and developed a successful business while unwittingly establishing a symbol of strength and encouragement – something the Sam Kee Building espouses to this day: In a recent feature on the CBC and GlobalBC, the Sam Kee Building was highlighted within the context of Chinatown. The historic narrative was told and a tour of the interiors given. I certainly appreciated this because, at the time of my visit, the building was still closed to visitors due to the pandemic.
While you can only view the exterior of the building (as of this writing), it’s still worth visiting. It has a story to tell – a social history – that’s timely and relevant today. Plus, it’s fun to take a selfie on the side of the building with arms outstretched ;)
Fun Fact: The Jack Chow Insurance sign is wider than the building!