VANCOUVER — A Vancouver developer is breathing new life into a Second World War-era industrial building in Mount Pleasant with the aim of expanding and returning the space to its high-tech origins.
Built in 1942 by Australian-born Henry Holdsby Simmonds — the architect behind Vancouver’s Stanley Theatre and Odeon theatre chain — the building at East 5th and Ontario Street once housed the Cemco Electrical Manufacturing Company. Back then it was staffed by workers making radio and radar components for the allied war effort.
The two-storey structure, now called the Lightworks Building, is getting redeveloped by PC Urban Properties. They’re planning to erect a six-storey, 54,000-square-foot business and manufacturing building, while preserving the existing art deco facade.
Now seeking building permits, PC Urban, with Christopher Bozyk Architects, plans to have 7,200 square feet of retail space at street level and four levels of office space above. There will be 70 parking stalls as well as bike parking and end-of-trip facilities.
