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| John McKee Residence | |
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| General information | |
| Location | 4705 Arthur Drive, Delta, British Columbia |
| Coordinates | 49°05′19″N123°04′50″W / 49.088525°N 123.080649°W |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect(s) | N/A |
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| John McKee Residence | |
|---|---|
| | |
| General information | |
| Location | 4705 Arthur Drive, Delta, British Columbia |
| Coordinates | 49°05′19″N123°04′50″W / 49.088525°N 123.080649°W |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect(s) | N/A |
The John McKee Residence, also known as Rosetta, is a heritage building located at 4705 Arthur Drive in Delta, British Columbia. The house was originally constructed around 1895 by Thomas Kerr, a partner in the Grant and Kerr Sawmill. The residence was sold to John McKee and his wife, Margaret, in 1898, who became the first residents of the property. After John's death in 1900, the property passed to their son, John McKee Jr.
In 1912, John McKee Jr. and his wife, Lilla McNeill, expanded and remodeled the house. The couple named the residence "Rosetta" after a school in Ireland, a common tradition of naming prominent homes at the time. Lilla McNeill McKee, known for her active involvement in the community, continued to reside in the home after her husband's death in 1931. She lived in the residence until her own passing in 1959. The property was then inherited by Lilla's nephew, Judge J.D. McNeill.
In 1975, the Corporation of Delta acquired the property. The building was officially designated as a heritage site due to its historical and architectural significance. The John McKee Residence was included in Delta’s Community Heritage Register on March 9, 1999, and was formally recognized under Municipal Heritage Designation in 1983. Several significant trees on the property have also been listed as heritage features.
The John McKee Residence is an excellent example of late Victorian architecture, notable for its stacked verandahs and scroll-cut ornamentation on the front façade. The residence is built using wood-frame construction and stands on a large corner lot, contributing to its prominence in the Ladner village area. The architectural style of the house, with its elaborate detailing and spacious grounds, adds to the historical charm of the neighborhood.
After being acquired by the Corporation of Delta, the house was preserved and maintained as part of the local heritage. It is currently home to the Delta Community Music School, which continues the legacy of community involvement at the site.
The McKee family’s legacy, particularly the contributions of John McKee Jr. and Lilla McNeill McKee, remains an important part of Delta's history. Through their involvement in preserving the home and participating in local community activities, their impact continues to be remembered. Today, the John McKee Residence serves as a testament to the late 19th-century development of the area and the importance of preserving heritage properties for future generations.
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