3396 Marine Drive, West Vancouver
OWN A PIECE OF WEST VANCOUVER HISTORY - 3396 Marine Drive, known as ‘the black cat’ was a grocery store and tea house built in 1922 at the end of Marine Drive. It has undergone many facelifts, extensions and renovations over the years and continues to be a cornerstone to the community. 1 of only 2 commercial zoned (C1) properties on Marine Drive between Dundarave and Horseshoe Bay. This property is historical but not designated, and has 5 ocean-facing levels, 6 units including a residential home, X bathrooms, multiple decks and a jaw dropping ocean view over Radcliffe. With Commercial, Subdivision & Residential potential, this is one of the more unique properties available on the North Shore.
DETAILS6,828 SF home
6 bedrooms
6 bathrooms
7,000 SF lot
Built in 1922
The Black Cat, built in 1922 and included in the West Vancouver Heritage Inventory in 1988, is located at 3396 Marine Drive. Originally a tea house and grocery store operated by Mrs. Lochead and Mr. Gillis at the bottom of Radcliffe Avenue, the structure was later elevated to the level of Marine Drive, creating a dramatic elevation change from its two-story front to its five-story rear. Over the years, the building has hosted various businesses, including the 'Wadsley' post-office, a polling station, a tearoom, a coffee bar, a confectionery store, and meeting places for local clubs like the West Bay Swim Club and a whist club. More recently, it has been home to the Savary Island Pie Co., an antique store, an art gallery, and now a tutoring business called Stepping Stones.
The building's character-defining features include its brown painted cedar siding façade and two whimsical 'Black Cat 1922' signs in wood and metal located just under the eaves on the north and south façades.
