A new arts and culture hub funded mainly by Grosvenor has opened in Vancouver’s Yaletown district.

The nine-storey building is located at 825 Pacific Street in a former warehouse district that includes many arts and cultural locations as well as bars, restaurants and multi-residential developments.

“We recognize that the most critical challenge facing arts and culture in Vancouver, and globally, is affordability of space,” said Mayor Ken Sim in a news release. “Enabling partners to build affordable, accessible, and sustainable long-term arts and cultural spaces is one of Vancouver’s key cultural objectives and helps to support a vibrant arts sector which is vital to our city’s identity, quality of life and economic prosperity.”

Grosvenor covered most of the building’s cost, providing $15.7 million through a community amenity contribution.

In December 2023, the B.C. government enacted legislation whereby developers make cash or in-kind donations when a city council grants development rights through rezoning. Such contributions help the city deliver public amenities and infrastructure, such as arts and culture spaces, childcare facilities and affordable housing.

Grosvenor’s investment in the 825 Pacific property is tied to a project that the global firm developed nearby, according to the Vancouver Sun. The city, BC Arts Council, provincial government and federal agencies Canadian Heritage and Infrastructure Canada furnished an additional $2.5 million.

The venue’s operator, 221A Arts Society, used the charitable and government funds to complete the interior fit-out of the building. The city owns the property and has leased it to the non-profit arts society under a 60-year term.

The stand-along building includes 26 non-market studios, along with 221A’s headquarters, a research library and an event space.

Fully electric, the building has received Passive House certification, does not use fossil fuels and will produce almost no greenhouse-gas emissions, according to the city news release.

Photo: Courtesy of Ryan Snikvalds

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