Daily Hive
THE EVOLUTION OF AN ICON
NEW GROWTH FOR A BUILDING WITH A RICH HISTORY
Creating a Shared Vision for a Historic Landmark and a New Energy for Downtown Vancouver
With a proud history, the Bay Building represents many facets of Vancouver’s storied past. Our plan focuses on a new beginning that serves the needs of today’s community by transforming the iconic retail experience while restoring and contributing to the building’s architectural character.
The Hudson’s Bay Building embodies the rich historical, economic, social, and cultural stories of Vancouver and has seen many adaptations through the years. Today, we are defining a bold vision for the building, creating a new kind of civic hub while revitalizing shopping, dining, entertainment, and business on Granville Street.
Since 1893, the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) has called the corner of Granville and Georgia its home. From its inception as a three-story red brick building to its subsequent expansions in 1899 and 1905, the evolution of the site has mirrored the progress of its city. As the oldest continuously operating company in North America, HBC has continued its goal of positively developing our northern landscape since the 19th century. The Bay’s story is one of continuity and economic vitality, central to the history of Vancouver.
After 1905, the site’s next transformation began in 1912, with a plan to demolish previous structures and create a new six-story building. This period marks the creation of a unified architectural expression of the newly expanded HBC store across the Granville, Georgia, and Seymour entrances: the terracotta façade and Corinthian columns that Vancouverites—and the Vancouver Heritage Register—recognize today.
By 1949, the site had gone through its latest significant structural change: the incorporation of the SkyTrain station entrances on Seymour and Granville consolidated the location as a critical transportation hub. Today, the intersection at Georgia and Granville is widely regarded as one of the most important and recognizable in Vancouver.
Vancouver has continued to evolve around 674 Granville—and today, it is time for the site to evolve with Vancouver. We are exploring ways to reconfigure the Bay Building by engaging with local First Nations and other partners and communities. The new plan will reimagine the future of the iconic site in line with community needs, First Nations’ and Vancouver’s redevelopment goals, and the sustainability objectives that will support us into the future.
OUR COMMITMENT TO CHANGE
We acknowledge that the Bay Building at 674 Granville Street rests on the traditional and unceded lands of the Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nations.
For 352 years, HBC and Canada’s Indigenous Peoples have shared a complicated and sometimes difficult history. Today, HBC acknowledges its history and is committed to actively working toward reconciliation.
We see this as an opportunity for sincere and meaningful engagement with First Nations and to walk a path together for a shared tomorrow.
SUPPORTING BUSINESS RESILIENCE
HBC believes in the future of downtown Vancouver, and this redevelopment will contribute to the long-term health of the city through the creation of office jobs and the retention of retail space.
OVER $50 MILLION ADDITIONAL ANNUAL SPENDING IS EXPECTED IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD
11,500 ONGOING JOBS WILL BE CREATED IN THE RETAIL, TECH, FINANCE AND INSURANCE INDUSTRIES
$2.249 BILLION IN ANNUAL ONGOING ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION TO BRITISH COLUMBIA
Get Involved and Let Us Know Your Thoughts
We welcome community feedback and will provide several opportunities for the public to learn more about this project.
Sustainable Development as Our Guide
The proposed plan for the Bay Building incorporates sustainability features that will serve Vancouver’s goals into the future and that align with strategic growth and sustainability plans defined by the Vancouver community. Our focus is on serving the community’s needs, revitalizing the public realm, and driving growth—all while designing in accordance with the standards and needs of tomorrow’s modern urban hub.
The Team Reimagining the Bay Building
We believe authentic development draws inspiration from many voices, respects its environment, and encourages prosperity. First Nations, the Vancouver community, and each of its representatives will steer the revitalization of 674 Granville while Streetworks Development, the real estate development division of HBC Properties and Investments, will guide and implement it.
