150 Robson St / 828 Cambie St

This project involved a design/build, three-sided heritage facade retention and structural shoring of two historic masonry buildings located at 150 Robson Street and 828 Cambie Street in downtown Vancouver. The scope required careful preservation of the existing brick facades while the interior structures were demolished to make way for new development.

KWH Constructors designed, supplied, and installed an intricate and comprehensive shoring and bracing system to stabilize and support the heritage facades throughout the construction process. Extensive 3D laser scanning of the existing structures was performed to accurately document building geometry and assist in the design and installation of the retention system.

The project required the stabilization of three elevations while a deep excavation and new foundation system were constructed behind the retained facades. The work was carried out in a highly constrained urban environment, requiring close coordination with adjacent properties, active streets, underground utilities, and existing building elements. Many internal structural details required individual assessment and customized support or avoidance measures during demolition and excavation activities.

One building elevation was located adjacent to active trolley bus routes, requiring the shoring system and erection procedures to be carefully coordinated around energized overhead power lines. Along another elevation, a narrow and significantly sloping alley created additional challenges, with portions of the retained facade effectively extending to the equivalent of four storeys in height. The retention system was designed to avoid impacts to neighboring structures while maintaining safe clearances within the restricted site footprint.

The project demanded precision engineering, fabrication, and steel erection to ensure the structural integrity and long-term stability of the retained heritage facades throughout all phases of construction. All work was completed in accordance with the City of Vancouver's heritage preservation requirements while maintaining safety and minimizing disruption within the surrounding downtown environment.