2010 OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
The Woodward’s Project
Westbank Projects Corporation / Peterson Investment Group
Commonwealth Historic Resource Management Ltd
Jonathan Yardley Architects Inc
Henriquez Partners Architects
Woodward’s Department Store (c.1910) Photo: City of Vancouver Archives
Woodward’s Department Store just prior to redevelopment (2002) Photo: Anthony Maw [www.anthonymaw.com]
Woodward’s Redevelopment (2010) Photo: Anthony Maw [www.anthonymaw.com]
The Woodward’s Project is a large, innovative mixed-use development intended to help revitalize Vancouver’s Downtown East Side. The iconic focus of the project is the rehabilitation of the Woodward’s department store built between 1903 and 1908. The rehabilitation project involved:
- (restoration of the elevations facing West Hastings and Abbott Streets to their appearance in 1908
- rehabilitation of the storefronts and canopy
- rehabilitation of the interior wood-frame structure to accommodate offices for non-profit organizations
- reconstruction of the sign and tower, and
- a comprehensive program of interpretation.
…It was intended that the landmark “W” sign and tower would be re-used atop the new concrete core. However, detailed investigation revealed that both were so deteriorated that they would require virtual replacement. It was therefore decided to reconstruct a new W sign and tower in the same form, but fabricated of new materials and illuminated with current technology. Both closely resemble the originals but are readily distinguishable as new work from close up. The original W sign is displayed in the plaza as an historical artifact.
The interpretive program includes both permanent and temporary installations that ensure that every person who uses the site understands something of its rich heritage. The interpretive program involved the re-use of original building components, including three sidewalk mosaic panels that read ‘Woodward’s Ltd’, two sets of large metal letters that spell ‘Woodward’s in the floor of the parking concourse and the lobby of the market residential tower…
This major heritage rehabilitation project will house the TD Bank on the ground floor, offices for the City of Vancouver and non profits on the other levels, with a new addition on the roof for a daycare facility.
