History of Mackin House
Mackin House is one of the last remaining Fraser Mill homes. Located on the corner of Brunette Avenue and Marmont Street, Mackin House has been a landmark and monument in the community since it was built in 1909. It continues to be an enduring symbol of Coquitlam’s rich history.
1909
Ryan House (now the Place des Arts building) and Mackin House were reserved for the company’s first and second in command, respectively. Due to their location and prestige, the houses were known as the “Mansions on the Hill.”
Mackin House’s first occupant was the Fraser Mill’s General Sales Manager, Henry James Mackin. Henry Mackin, his wife Mary Elizabeth, and their two young daughters, Josephine and Dorothy, moved into the house in 1909.
1914
Henry Mackin was promoted to Mill Manager and moved to Ryan House. Tom Ryan moved into the Mackin House and served as General Mill Superintendent for the next 17 years.
His son, Maurice Ryan, then took over as Superintendent, and lived in the house from 1931 - 1944.
1944
Henry Mackin’s son, Wilson, moved into the house as a company employee. Wilson made major renovations, adding the southern wing to the home.
1951
Wilson Mackin left the home. The new Mill Manager, Mac Ewart, moved into the house as its last Fraser Mills Company resident.
1953
The Crown-Zellerbach Company bought the house. The house was then rented to various residents until 1980.
1980
The house was bought by the District of Coquitlam. It mainly served a variety of philanthropic and administrative purposes. It was a convenient location for City staff overflow, as Coquitlam’s City Hall was located right across the street, at 1111 Brunette Avenue (at the time called Pitt River Road), from 1920 - 1998. The City restored the Mackin House in 1993 as part of its Heritage Square project, which also included renovations to the historic Ryan House for Place des Arts operations.
1999
Mackin House opened as a heritage house museum operated by the Coquitlam Heritage Society.