ast evening I changed out of my flannel pants and relinquished the comforts of my couch to see and be seen at what turned out to be a hot party at the Century House on Richards. Fantastic Four 2 has reached the halfway point in filming, so naturally it’s time for a cast and crew soiree. (No, I am neither cast nor crew and that Silver Surfer rumor turned out to be just that: rumor). Yes, the Alba was there, the Evans was there, an onslaught of execs with champagne were there, and a good half of Van’s trendsetters were there, either splurging on the open bar or trying their best to get in without an invite. What started out as a slow hob knob of “who are you/who am I?” turned into a packed jam of bump and grind. The party was a great success. Lots of lookies, lots of loo’s. I just had one question: “does this place still exist?”

I know this locale quite well. Previously it has been both an obscurely named Russian joint and, later, the cleverly designated UpnDown (it has two levels. Genius.). I have made the rounds of this place, seeing its every incarnation fail. I have seen people do, um, things in the bathrooms; witnessed young actresses ambushed by sleeze; and even had manager friends slip me some free beer.
Above all, a few years ago I had the pleasure of a surprise champagne birthday bash here. It went off like a bucket of firecrackers on Halloween. Now that was a great 25. I have always had a soft spot for this place, though I seldom visit; this party reminded me why.

There is nothing inherently wrong with the Century House—there was nothing really wrong with UpnDown, for that matter. The space is one of the most deliriously gorgeous places Vancouver has to offer. Downstairs boasts massive barrel ceilings, Victorian era chandeliers, a VIP vault room that’s actually in a vault (the house was once a bank), and a twenty-foot glass bar hovering above detailed crafted flooring. Upstairs is a loft-ish haven. Large windows give an august sense of angle to a straight cut room, while an open dance floor, all trimmed by wooden beams, ends in an elegant glass front face that lets in some streetlight. Getting from down to up means treading on a grand, white marble staircase. The Century House is architecturally exquisite.