"The Interurban is named for the former tram line station at Hastings and Carrall
Street called the British Columbia Electric Interurban Station. At the turn of the century
the Hastings and Carrall Street intersection was a powerful symbol of local pride and
bustling activity; the Interurban Project is intended to help restore the area to its former
stature.

The building at 1-15 Hastings Street, now called the new Interurban, is an
important heritage building in its own right and will be restored. The City of Vancouver,
the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia provided funding for
renovations to the new Interurban building.

The Interurban project will include a public lecture series, musical performances
and arts events as part of its programs. The Portland Hotel Society will manage the
project with the Interurban Community Artistic Society. The organizations have secured
capital monies and have signed a lease for the new Interurban building. Asset ownership
and responsibility will rest with Interurban Community Artistic Society and the Portland
Hotel Society."

from: www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/commsvcs/planning/dtes/pdf/BKmarch0801.pdf