The Stock Exchange reimagined
Prior to the site redevelopment of the 1929 Vancouver Stock Exchange Building, a comprehensive Statement of Significance and Conservation Plan were completed by Luxton and we were additionally retained to monitor conservation work throughout the duration of the project. A collaborative approach to the treatment of the historic skyscraper was established at project initiation in order to balance the desires and expectations of the client and project team, allowing for a seamless and cooperative vision and process. This is reflected in the outstanding level of conservation and craftsmanship evident today on the Stock Exchange Building.
In order to achieve a LEED Platinum rating, a first in Canada for this type of conservation project, wood window assemblies were retrofitted with double-glazed wood sashes. New wood sashes were manufactured locally in British Columbia and replicated the pane arrangement, opening mechanism, wood species, and mortise & tenon joinery technique as those of the original sashes. Furthermore, the preservation of the Stock Exchange Building in its entirety, and not just its façade, prevented an incredible amount of waste from being produced, a noteworthy accomplishment for a metropolitan region where demolition waste constitutes a significant portion of material in the landfill. The Exchange project illustrates a harmonious union between new and old, and how contemporary environmental standards do not have to be achieved at the detriment of heritage structures.
