The Woodward's Building is a historic commercial structure located in the Downtown Eastside neighbourhood of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Constructed between 1952 and 1959, the building originally housed the flagship store of Woodward's Department Stores, a major Canadian retailer that operated from the late 19th century until its closure in 1993.
Architectural characteristics
- The building was designed in the International Style by the architectural firm Archibald and Squire, featuring a steel frame and curtain‑wall façade with extensive use of glass and aluminum panels.
- It comprised a nine‑storey tower above a two‑storey podium, encompassing a total floor area of approximately 300,000 sq ft (27,870 m²).
- The interior included a retail department store, a food court, and an underground parking facility.
Historical development
- Woodward's served as a regional commercial hub, drawing shoppers from across the Lower Mainland and contributing significantly to Vancouver's mid‑20th‑century economic growth.
- Following the bankruptcy and liquidation of Woodward's Department Stores in 1993, the building remained largely vacant.
- A portion of the structure was demolished in 2006 to make way for a mixed‑use redevelopment known as the Woodward's Campus. The remaining heritage tower and podium were preserved and repurposed.
Contemporary usage
- The redeveloped Woodward's Campus, completed in phases between 2008 and 2010, integrates affordable housing, market‑rate apartments, community facilities, and commercial spaces.
- The ground‑level retail component includes a public market, food vendors, and service outlets, while the upper levels provide residential units and office space.
- The site is managed by a non‑profit housing cooperative and continues to serve as a focal point for community programmes and urban revitalisation efforts in the Downtown Eastside.
Heritage status
- The Woodward's Building is recognised as a heritage landmark by the City of Vancouver, reflecting its architectural significance and its role in the social and economic history of the city.
References
- City of Vancouver Heritage Register, “Woodward’s Building”.
- Woodward’s Campus Development Planning Documents, City of Vancouver, 2005‑2010.
- Historical accounts of Woodward’s Department Stores, Canadian Retail History Archives.