Vancouver Salt Building Restoration
Timber Frame Media Blasting — Vancouver, BC
Built in 1930, the Vancouver Salt Building is a landmark structure located in False Creek, Vancouver, British Columbia.
Originally used for salt storage along the waterfront, the building is known for its expansive open timber-frame construction and industrial heritage character.
In the lead-up to the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, the City of Vancouver undertook a major restoration of the building, transforming it into a central gathering space for visiting athletes. The project required careful preservation of historic materials while restoring the interior to a clean, visually striking condition.
Timber Restoration Ahead of the 2010 Olympics
Haebler Construction was awarded the restoration contract and brought in Ocean Pacific Media Blasting to handle the refurbishment of the building’s exposed timber ceiling structure.
The scope of work involved restoring approximately 13,000 square feet of open timber framing. Decades of staining, discoloration, and environmental buildup had darkened the wood, obscuring its original appearance and architectural impact.
Because of the building’s heritage status, surface restoration had to be completed without damaging the wood or altering its character.
Media Blasting of Historic Timber Structure
Ocean Pacific used a controlled media blasting process specifically suited for exposed wood in heritage buildings. The objective was to remove surface staining and contaminants while preserving the integrity, grain, and structure of the timber.
The blasting process achieved:
Removal of decades of staining and discoloration
Restoration of the wood’s natural tone and texture
Preservation of original timber surfaces
Uniform results across the entire ceiling structure
The restored timber transformed the interior, revealing the dramatic scale and craftsmanship of the original construction.
A Landmark Olympic Venue
Following restoration, the Salt Building was repurposed as a central relaxation and social space for Olympic athletes. Often referred to as “the athletes’ living room,” the venue served as a welcoming environment during the Games.
The project received national recognition for its sensitive restoration approach, earning multiple prestigious awards, including:
- Canadian Wood Council Wood WORKS! Building Award
- Canadian Institute of Planners Award for Planning Excellence
A Celebrated Heritage Restoration
Upon completion, the restored Salt Building was officially opened by Prince Charles and Camilla, marking its return as a celebrated Vancouver landmark.
Today, the building is owned by the City of Vancouver and is used as a waterfront dining destination—continuing its legacy as a functional, vibrant part of the city’s historic waterfront.
This project demonstrates how professional media blasting can play a key role in heritage restoration, revealing original materials while preserving the architectural integrity of historically significant structures.
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Project Brief
Media blasting used to restore a historic timber ceiling, preserving heritage character for the Vancouver Salt Building redevelopment.
Client Name
Haebler Construction
Category
Abrasive Blasting
Location
Vancouver, BC, Canada
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