Modern take on industrial conversion

Heritage

Feb 22

The Challenge

To deliver a distinct design that celebrates the building’s industrial roots and historic significance while redefining the building’s potential for urban living by adding two storeys of contemporary, compatible lofts.

contemporary loft in an Edwardian warehouse

Bowman block is a modern take on an industrial conversion

About this Project

Located in the heart of Vancouver’s urban core, nestled between the city’s iconic Gastown, Chinatown and Yaletown districts, Bowman Block is a modern take on an industrial conversion.

The Bowman Block was originally built as a distribution warehouse in 1906 in the core of Vancouver’s growing industrial economy. Built on an escarpment, the building has two extra lower floors that once served as direct access to Vancouver’s original railway system. The Bowman Block is historically celebrated for being a representative warehouse of the Edwardian era. Like others from this period, Bowman Block is supported by a heavy timber frame, with exterior brick walls.

Over the course of the century following the Bowman Block’s original construction, the building underwent a series of significant alterations, reflecting the ever shifting character of the neighbourhood and wider economic context.

honoring the building’s legacy, including Douglas fir floors, brick walls, and exposed wooden beams

bright, airy bedroom in a century old warehouse

In 2005, we collaborated with architect Gair Williamson to design the latest iteration of this century old warehouse. The newly renovated building features ground level commercial space, 38 residential loft style homes, and a 2 storey modern addition set back. This modern intervention allowed us to restore historic features honouring the building’s legacy, including Douglas fir floors, brick walls, and exposed wooden beams. Atop the building, we designed two storeys of modern sub penthouses, penthouses, and a rooftop urban oasis complete with an outdoor fireplace and built in barbecue. Bowman Block has received awards from the City of Vancouver and the Urban Development Institute recognizing its success as a model heritage restoration and modern conversion project.