Salvation Army Temporary Emergency Shelter Renovation

The Salvation Army has been providing compassionate support and practical assistance to the public in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside for over 65 years. As the City has grown so has the need for housing and services for persons at risk of homelessness and those dealing with addiction. The Salvation Army is constructing a purpose-built facility on E Cordova Street in Vancouver in the coming years to meet a wide variety of needs in the community. The Salvation Army recognized the need for a temporary facility for its three emergency shelter programs to provide continuity of service during construction. A building was identified on East Hastings Street for tenant improvements to accommodate 134 shelter beds, support staff offices, social spaces, amenities, and programming. The renovations were completed in summer 2021 and the temporary shelter is now operational.

Acting as the Owner’s representative for the Salvation Army, CitySpaces coordinated the selection process for the Design Team and the Construction Manager as well as supporting the team in confirming funding sources for the project. CitySpaces continued to act as Project Managers as the project moved through the process of design development, approvals from the City of Vancouver, tendering, and construction.

CLIENT: The Salvation Army

NUMBER OF UNITS: 134 Beds

BUILDING SIZE: 17,800 Square Feet

Photo credit: Canvas Road Productions / VanMar Constructors