Juxtaposition of old and new

Heritage

Mar 26

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 an annex with 16 ultra-modern, concrete and glass live-work suites.

Paris Block is a courageous juxtaposition of old with new, brick and steel with concrete and glass

high ceilings and soaring windows in Paris Annex

About this project

Designed by well-known architect Thomas Hooper, the Paris Block structure was originally built in 1909 as an apartment block with commercial frontage at street level. Originally known as the Eastern Building, the five-storey red brick building became the Strathcona Hotel in 1910, with Pierre Paris Shoes occupying the street level for sixty years. The Paris Block building reflects the transition from Victorian architectural design to the cleaner, more restrained aesthetic characteristic of the Edwardian era. The building is also valued historically as an emblem of Vancouver’s early commercial and industrial boom.

Our restoration process allowed the preservation of exposed steel beams, high ceilings, original brickwork and exterior signage

We collaborated with Gair Williamson Architects to design this historical restoration and conversion project. The challenge was to uphold the building’s industrial identity while upgrading infrastructure, refurbishing the facade and retrofitting the interiors to serve new functions. Our restoration process allowed the preservation of exposed steel beams, high ceilings, original brickwork and exterior signage.

restoration process allowed the preservation of exposed steel beams and high ceilings

Using steel and glass, we mirrored the historic building's massing

refurbished brickwork on the exterior of the old Strathcona Hotel

We also undertook an ambitious annex design – 100 years junior to the Paris Block – to add much-needed residential density to this area. The resulting Paris Block is a courageous juxtaposition of old with new, brick and steel with concrete and glass. Using steel and glass, iconic 21st century building materials, we mirrored the historic building’s massing to provide a balanced street façade.