Vancouver was once considered the neon capital of the north with an estimated 19,000 signs lighting up the night on streets like Hastings and Granville.
Now, some of the city’s most iconic neon signs will be making a return to downtown Vancouver through a partnership between QuadReal and the Museum of Vancouver.
The signs, including the iconic ‘R’ from the Ridge bowling alley on Arbutus Street, were unveiled at the Lumière festival in Vancouver last weekend.
QuadReal will be installing the three neon signs at the The Post once it’s complete — one of the most ambitious heritage redevelopment projects in Canadian history.
“Vancouver has long been a centre for neon and as stewards of the city’s extensive neon collection, we are enthused about displaying these signs in public spaces to foster more meaningful engagement with the artifacts,” said Mauro Vescera, CEO at the Museum of Vancouver.
The former post office at West Georgia and Hamilton will soon be known as The Post, home to 1.13 million square feet of office space — including Amazon — and 185,000 square feet of retail space, including a Loblaws CityMarket grocer, gym, fine dining and food hall.
- Transformation of former post office into The Post by QuadReal well underway
- Loblaws CityMarket announced as grocery partner at The Post
- Amazon confirmed as anchor tenant of downtown Vancouver post office redevelopment
“The Post will be a community hub—a place for neighbours and friends to shop or gather over coffee or dinner. The neon installation from the Museum of Vancouver’s collection provides one more reason for locals and visitors to make The Post a destination,” said Chrystal Burns, senior vice president, retail, western Canada at QuadReal.
