Look down, look up, look all around. There is cool design everywhere when walking along Vancouver’s new waterfront. This new urban interface along the banks of the Columbia River may look ultra modern from a distance, but pays homage to the historical past and its industrial heritage in the creative and thoughtful designs included in the area.
This area along the bank of the Columbia River has a varied and unique history. What began as home to native American tribes, soon became a hustling bustling series of businesses, from early brickyards and sawmills, to World War II ship yard and paper mill. The old industries are now being redeveloped and bringing new life to the downtown core area, from which visitors had long been unable to easily access the waterfront. Now a new hub of restaurants, wineries, shops, hotels, and living space will fill the area, but leaving the waterfront for visitors to enjoy with a new park.
Take a walk and see if you can find these hidden-in-the-open treasures when you explore Vancouver’s new waterfront park.
All photos by Dawn Woolcott
1.
Railroad Benches
Paying homage to the industrial past of the waterfront, a railroad inspired look has been included as part of the seating area.
2.
Walk through time
Wood walkways have important dates engraved into them letting the visitor literally walk through time.
3.
The Importance of Water
Concrete paving has been etched with a map of the many water tributaries that are in the region and feed into the Columbia River.
4.
A Beer Town
Honoring Vancouver’s long love affair with beer, signs are on display with the Lucky Lager logo emblazoned on the sides of planters. Lucky Lager was a beer brand originating in San Francisco, and which expanded all over the Northwest including a brewery in downtown Vancouver which thrived for decades. The storage building is within walking distance of the waterfront park at 215 W. 4th Street and now houses office space. There are many brewpubs in downtown Vancouver to continue this love of beer.
5.
Rolling on the River
These are not giant rolling pins used to create giant pies and cookies (but wouldn’t that be nice!) but are unusual finds builders found when clearing the site for the new waterfront. They are rolling pins and gears used in the production at the old paper mill once located nearby and discarded when the mill shut down. Now they are unique and fascinating pieces of artwork that tie in perfectly with the heritage theme found around the park.
Save this story to Pinterest:
