Police are investigating after a body was found at the historic Gabriola House mansion in Vancouver's West End neighbourhood.

The deceased was discovered shortly before 7 p.m. Wednesday, triggering a large police presence at the property that remained through much of Thursday.

The person's identity hasn't been confirmed, and the B.C. Coroners Service is still working to determine the cause of death, police said.

Few other details have been released, but about five hours after the body was found, officers took a 48-year-old man into custody.

Police said their investigation remains "very active" and there is no concern for public safety.

The mansion was built by the Rogers family in 1901 and was home to a Macaroni Grill restaurant for years.

The property was purchased in 2015 by a developer who plans to convert it into rental housing. He told CTV News he doesn't know anything about the police investigation.

With a report from CTV Vancouver's Mi-Jung Lee