Each week, Vancouver Is Awesome uncovers some unusual and (hopefully) interesting facts about the city. This week its takes on Gastown’s historic Woodward’s building.
1. The original building was constructed for the Woodward’s department store
The first Woodward’s store opened at the corner of present-day Main and Georgia streets in 1892. At the time, Cordova, between Abbott and Carrall, was a retail shopping destination for most of the city. Looking to expand, Charles Woodward opened a new four-storey location at the corner of Hastings and Abbott in 1903.
2. The store was famous for its annual Christmas displays
The department store was also known for its basement-level Food Floor and the distinct “W” that adorned the top of the building. Speaking of which…
3. The “W” was affixed to a 25-metre replica of the Eiffel Tower
The iconic Woodward’s “W” was installed on top of a pint-size replica of the Eiffel tower in 1944. The installation replaced a pre-war searchlight, which was shut down at the beginning of WWII over concerns of it being a target for aerial attacks.
The original “W” is now on display just outside the Woodward’s atrium. The new rooftop “W” is replica of the original, with the addition of energy-efficient LED lights.
4. The original 1903 building is still in use today
Woodward’s was demolished in 2006 as part of the city’s efforts to redevelop the surrounding area. The original 1903 to1908 portions of the building were preserved and now house community spaces and non-profit offices.
5. The atrium mural commemorates the Battle of Maple Tree Square
Woodward’s Abbott & Cordova (2009) photo mural commemorates the 1971 Gastown Riots, which resulted after undercover drug squad members intervened at a peaceful smoke-in protest organized by Vancouver’s Youth International Party.
