Ocean Towers

Mid-century residential buildings

Before 1956 if you’d wanted to build an 18-story waterfront tower in Vancouver’s residential West End it wasn’t possible, but adjustments to the city zoning regulations by a progressive City Council changed all that and by 1958 the first residential high-rise at English Bay  went up.

And what a building it was… and still is!

Designed by Rix Reinecke of the architectural design firm Chow, Nelson & Reinecke, this sleek concrete structure sits on a long, narrow footprint (similar to that of the BC Electric/Hydro building) and evokes the feel of an easy ocean breeze; International Style in nature but with beautiful, curvaceous stepped awnings between each floor mimicking the waves of its breathtaking ocean views.

Later on, the Ocean Towers would become one of the first buildings in the city to convert to Co-op tenant ownership, predating the Strata Titles Act of the late ’60s.

Located West of Denman, in Vancouver’s West End.

Visited 5236 times, 1 Visits today

Tagged In Architecture,Building,english bay,high rise,MCM,Mid Century Modern,Modernism,modtraveler,modtraveler.net,ocean towers,residential,Retro,rix reinecke,Vancouver,Vintage,west end and West of Denman

Related Listings

Tiki Bars

4362 Main Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada

View More Details

Tiki Culture/Polynesian Pop If you’re a Tikiphile and looking to get your Polynesian Pop on, Vancouver has a couple of options… The Shameful Tiki Room (4362 Main Street ) – Situated in… Read more…

Vintage Eats

Various locations, Vancouver, BC, Canada

View More Details

Vintage diners & restaurants Restaurants come and go, in foodie-centric Vancouver especially, which is why it’s nice to see a handful of mid-century joints still doing what they do best.… Read more…