Situated in an unnamed eclectic neighbourhood of East Vancouver, which was famous for its concentration of craft breweries and coffee roasters, The Hamilton Bank Building was a 110-year-old mixed-use character building with authentic charm. But, it needed love. fabric gave it a new look and made it home to local artists and entrepreneurs. The building even gave back to recognize the greater community, by calling it “Port Town” – and so a neighbourhood was born.
The Hamilton Bank Building was designed by turn of the century “starchitect,” William Whiteway, who was responsible for designing many of Vancouver’s most iconic buildings, including the Sun Tower. The building was originally occupied by the Hamilton Bank – a bank which merged with CIBC in the 1920’s – of which the original two-story solid brick bank safe still exists within the building today. While it is old in history, it has become new in culture.
Today, the building houses Hamilton Studios, 43 residential studio units, and Hamilton Shops, approximately 4,000 sq ft across five commercial spaces on the ground level.
The small studio units are perfect for creative craft makers that prefer to reside small and live large. The shops below house tenants that have grassroots businesses, contributing to the artisanal nature of the local community.
