What was once Vancouver’s first and busiest industrial area, Port Town is an eclectic waterfront neighbourhood in East Vancouver with an entrepreneurial spirit. Still a bustling port lined with mills and refineries, the area is locally known for its concentration of craft breweries, coffee roasters and unique restaurants. Port Town has undergone a revival in recent years and fabric’s Hamilton Bank Building, an iconic landmark in Port Town, is an exciting part of this transformation!
Located at Powell and Victoria, The Hamilton Bank Building is a 110-year-old mixed-use character building that still maintains its authentic charm. It was designed by turn of the century “starchitect,” William Whiteway, who was responsible for designing many of Vancouver’s most well-known buildings, including the Sun Tower. The building was originally occupied by the Hamilton Bank – a bank which merged with CIBC in the 1920s – and believe it or not – the original two-story solid brick bank safe still exists within the building today!
In 2015, fabric acquired the Hamilton Bank Building and undertook extensive efforts to renovate the 42 residential studio units, common areas and 5 commercial spaces to properly restore and update the property to its current refreshed state.
Many local artists find the Hamilton Bank Building’s small studio units and communal living quarters the perfect space to let their creativity and craft flourish while the shops on the ground floor are home to several grassroot businesses, contributing to the artisanal nature of the local community – not to mention the City’s best pies!
In keeping with the creativity of the neighbourhood, Artbedo has illustrated a neighbourhood guide perfect for exploring our little pocket of East Vancouver.
Check out some of Port Town’s most cherished spots surrounding the Hamilton Bank Building below.
Aleph Eatery
With a reputation of Vancouver’s top Vegan Middle Eastern Eatery, Aleph offers a beautiful minimalist space with overwhelming aromas, unique flavours, casual vibes and mellow tunes ready to transport you. It’s an oasis in an industrial neighbourhood and a must visit at the Hamilton Bank Building!
The Pie Shoppe
Speaking of amazing aromas, The Pie Shoppe is serving up some of the city’s best pies from sweet to savoury and everything in between. With local ingredients, a welcoming space and friendly staff, there is always an excuse for a pie celebration and the Pie Shoppe has you covered.
Elephant
The smallest retail space on the block with only 524 sq ft., Elephant restaurant and wine bar offers a unique omakase experience. With a menu that changes daily to reflect the seasonality and fecundity of our local farms, there is always something new and delectable to try.
Motiv Architects
Take a peak in the window of Motiv and you will see a creative architectural firm at work. With a common passion that thoughtful designs connect people and transform communities, Motiv’s practice fits right in with the neighbours.
Studio Roslyn
In pursuit of magic, Studio Roslyn is a full-service interior design and creative consulting studio based out of the Hamilton Bank Building. Recently named as 2022’s Emerging Interior Designer, Studio Roslyn is synonymous with beautiful and timeless designs.
And Next Door…
Straight & Marrow
An intimate new eatery and cocktail bar, Straight & Marrow, located next to the Hamilton Bank Building pays homage to Chef Lam’s Asian heritage. Straight & Marrow cleverly champions a sustainable nose-to-tail dining philosophy that reduces waste by highlighting unique and unusual cuts of meat and offal.
Wild Thing Snack Bar
The new kid on the block, Wild Thing Snack Bar recently moved in next to the Hamilton Bank Building. Offering plant-based dishes with ingredients sourced from local farms and rotating natural wine, Wild Thing Snack Bar is the perfect neighbour.
Homecoming Candles
Making wonderfully scented candles and elevated essentials, Homecoming is inspired by the integrity of everyday spaces. From bedrooms to living quarters, these are the places that provide us with life’s best moments. Homecoming crafts elevated home goods and accessories founded on the principles of high design, sustainable practices, entrepreneurship, creativity, community and care.
Come explore our little Port Town pocket of East Vancouver today and be sure to say hi to the neighbours!