Mercantile Building

The Mercantile Building, originally designed as the Board of Trade Building, is an eight-storey Edwardian building constructed for the Trustee Company under president James A Thompson, who was the owner and president of the Thompson Stationary Company.

The 1909 building was an early project of architects J.S. Helyer and Son. It was one of the first buildings in Vancouver to use concrete both as a structural and finishing material, and considered a skyscraper in its time.

Most buildings constructed up to this period used wooden Douglas Fir beams and column, and were not taller than six-storeys.

This building was originally designed as the “Board of Trade Building” but the Board of Trade never moved in. Recently the building has undergone extensive upgrades including sprinklers and fire alarms, and is now home to architects, graphic designers, web developers, and other professionals.

Source

Gastown Business Improvement Society plaque (on building)