Sinclair Centre - Customs Building

Sinclair Centre is an upscale shopping mall comprised of four buildings that were restored and joined together by a glass atrium roof in 1986. The $38 million restoration project was designed by well-known Vancouver firm Henriquez Partners Architects. The complex is named after former Vancouver MP James Sinclair.

The Customs Building was designed by Public Works’ Chief Architect David Ewart Construction began in 1911 and was completed in 1913. It was built by the federal government as a warehouse to handle federal requirements on imported goods and was used by Customs until 1958. This building housed the city’s main post office until it was relocated to West Georgia Street in 1958.

During the First World War, volunteers for service were able to enlist with the local post master.

Granite, brick and sandstone face the building. Its redevelopment as part of Sinclair Centre included an addition of a fifth storey and a new roofline.

Source

Vancouver Heritage Inventory Phase II 1986 Summary Report, Courtney Stickland "The forgotten front": a walking tour of Vancouver during the First World War (2013)

More information

http://www.sinclaircentre.com/?page_id=14