fabric has partnered with Minivillage to introduce an innovative resident engagement initiative at the Hamilton Bank Building in East Vancouver.
The first of its kind in market rental, this collaboration is part of a broader vision to foster deeper connections among residents, enhance engagement, and redefine urban rental housing as more than just a place to live but as a place to belong.
Building More Than Just Housing: fabric’s Perspective
In 2015, fabric acquired the Hamilton Bank Building, a 110-year old mixed-use character building located at Powell St. and Victoria Dr. in East Vancouver. At the time, the neighbourhood lacked real identity but was home to Parallel 49 Brewing and on the verge of an urban revitalization. fabric named the neighbourhood Port Town and began extensive renovations on the property, which was originally home to the Hamilton Bank and still features the original two-story solid brick bank safe within the building today. fabric transformed the Hamilton Bank Building into a unique rental space with micro studios that has since become home to artists, students, young workers and on the ground level – some of the city’s bests restaurants. An environment that fosters creativity, The Hamilton Bank Building has been proudly featured in the Eastside Culture Crawl for the past decade.
Recognizing the lingering impacts of the pandemic and the isolation felt by many renters in the city, fabric recognized the need to foster deeper resident engagement at the Hamilton Bank Building and partnered with Minivillage to introduce an exciting new model of community-building amongst residents.
“Our goal has always been to create spaces that not only serve as homes but as extensions of the communities they exist within,” says Jordan MacDonald, CEO of fabric living “By integrating Minivillage at The Hamilton Bank Building, we are giving residents the tools to engage, build relationships, and shape their own living experience—creating a model that redefines urban rental housing. Residents are now easily able to share their passions, their art and their craft– allowing residents to feel more connected to one another. By providing the platform for connection – even over simple coffee dates and walks around the block – the science shows that residents’ happiness, sense of belonging and overall wellbeing will improve significantly.”
The integration of Minivillage will help to transform Hamilton Bank Building into a more collaborative, socially connected living environment, where residents don’t just co-exist but actively contribute to shaping their community.
This initiative marks a new chapter in resident-driven community building, setting the stage for a future where rental housing is more than just a place to live – it’s a place to belong.
Transforming Buildings into Connected Communities: Minivillage’s Perspective
Minivillage is a community engagement platform that helps residents connect, collaborate, and organize gatherings within their buildings. It provides a simple and accessible way for neighbours and staff to interact, share resources, and foster organic, real-world relationships.
“Our goal is to solve loneliness in cities. What if your next best friend is just a few doors away, and you don’t even know it yet? Technology is often seen as isolating, but we’ve created a platform that empowers neighbours to build happier, more connected communities. Our partnership with fabric living is the first of its kind in market housing. We’re changing the landscape of property development, by creating warm, vibrant spaces that also provide financial benefits to housing providers. Happy residents mean happy landlords!” says Mark Boardman, Founder and CEO, Minivillage
By integrating Minivillage at The Hamilton Bank Building, residents now have a dedicated space to communicate, coordinate events, and engage with one another. Neighbours will now have endless social opportunities, from hiking groups to book clubs and movie nights, all without leaving the building. This partnership builds a model for what’s possible when community and housing work together to boost wellbeing and resilience.
Special thanks to our Community Coordinator Kate MacDonald and Minivillage’s Mark Boardman for making this initiative possible at HBB!
Become a part of this innovative project
There are currently studios available for rent at the Hamilton Bank Building. fabric is inviting those interested in becoming a part of this connected creative community to visit www.HamiltonBankBuilding.com for more information.