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Vancouver Heritage Foundation Weekly: The Musical History of Casa Mia

Vancouver Heritage Foundation is a registered charity supporting the conservation of heritage buildings and structures in recognition of their contribution to the city’s economy, sustainability and culture.

Vancouver Heritage Foundation is a registered charity supporting the conservation of heritage buildings and structures in recognition of their contribution to the city’s economy, sustainability and culture.

Vancouver Heritage Foundation's 12th annual Heritage House Tour is going to be one to remember. With an already stellar line-up of Vancouver character and heritage homes, including three charming Storybook homes, VHF has announced the  surprise addition of Casa Mia. With ties to Vancouver's music and brewery history, this historic mansion was once known for legendary after parties.

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Built for George C. Reifel in 1932, Casa Mia is Vancouver's premier example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. The Reifels have a long history in Vancouver brewing, surviving prohibition with a brewery in Japan. George C. Reifel was also known as the owner of Vancouver music institution, The Commodore Ballroom, as well as the Vogue and Studio Theatres. Some of the city's best musicians would head to Casa Mia after performing at the Commodore to present after-shows at the home's own mini-version of the venue; a large lower level ballroom complete with gold leaf walls, a sprung dance floor, his and her dressing rooms, and a back stage green room. You'll also want to check out the downstairs bar with it's hidden passageway used to smuggle in alcohol during prohibition.

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Casa Mia is not only an impressive mansion, but holds a huge amount of Vancouver history within its hand-painted walls. As the long time home of one of Vancouver's most influential families, the home is not only remarkable in style, but in presence as well.

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This home will only be open for one day during the Heritage House Tour on June 1st, from 10am to 5pm. It has never been opened to the public on this scale before and it is unlikely to happen again any time soon.  You don't want to miss the chance to see where Vancouver's best musical talents once played private parties late into the night.