Editing Robson Street (section)

==History==

In 1895, streetcar tracks were laid down the street, supporting a concentration of shops and restaurants. From the early to middle-late 20th century, and especially after significant immigration from postwar [[Germany]], the northwest end of Robson Street was known as a centre of [[Culture of Germany|German culture]] and commerce in Vancouver, earning the nickname ''Robsonstrasse'', even among non-Germans (this name lives on in the Robsonstrasse Hotel on the street). At one time, the city had placed streetsigns reading "Robsonstrasse" though these were placed after the German presence in the area had largely vanished.{{cn|date=August 2023}}

In 1981, a development team presented the city government with a proposal to build a glass [[canopy (building)|canopy]] over sections of Robson Street. It was designed by architect [[Bing Thom]] to promote year-round use of the street and add more retail space.<ref>{{cite news |last=McAlpine |first=Mary |date=November 21, 1981 |title=Robson eyes 'glass top' |page=A3 |work=Vancouver Sun |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-vancouver-sun-robson-eyes-glass-top/129571515/ |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |accessdate=August 6, 2023}}</ref> The proposal was withdrawn in January 1982 due to an unwillingness from the city to change zoning codes to accommodate the project.<ref>{{cite news |last=Krangle |first=Karenn |date=January 26, 1982 |title=Developer scraps plans to enclose Robson St. block |page=A3 |work=Vancouver Sun |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-vancouver-sun-developer-scraps-plans/129572602/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=August 6, 2023}}</ref>

Robson Street was featured on an old edition of the [[Canadian Monopoly]] board as one of the two most expensive properties.