Small Changes – Victory Square

I do like the scale of the development at this site, and it is going to provide great views of the park for that entire side of the building. More than just a ‘small change’, I see this more as a ‘coming full circle’. Prior to the previous CIBC ‘monolithic bookend of a bank building’ which occupied the corner for many years, there was a fairly industrious brick building called the ‘Inns of the Court Building’. It dates back to the late 19th century, and was a large 3 story office building & bank in its day. It was also quite handsome, having a fancy turret at the corner of Hastings and Hamilton (which was later removed, sadly), and the brickwork was impressive for a West Coast construction. The arched windows it had also really would have complimented the Flack Block across the street, which I think was built around the same time or came a bit later.

The point I was trying to get at is about buildings that turn their back to their environment. When a great building like this is replaced with an insular and / or self indulgent construction that offers little engagement between the street and its occupants, a profound void can appear in the cityscape. There are a number of these voids that really bother me when I see them (another is the NE corner of Cambie & Cordova). It’s a real shame when such a void is created, when the previous building offered so much more. But it’s also a great thing when a builder or architect realizes what was lost, and makes an effort to bring back some of that positive streetscape engagement. While the new building is without that ornate brick turret, I wouldn’t mind at all if they decided to add a touch of terraced gardens to the roof instead.