Yaletown Heritage Restoration Project
Wood Beam & Column Refinishing — Vancouver, BC
BLT Construction was contracted to renovate a historic brick warehouse located in the heart of Yaletown, one of Vancouver’s most recognizable heritage neighbourhoods.
The project involved the redevelopment of a century-old structure into a high-end restaurant space, preserving its historic character while updating the interior for modern use.
Several members of the Vancouver Canucks were involved in the redevelopment, which was destined to become the new location of Blue Water Cafe and Raw Bar—a landmark dining destination in the city.
High-Profile Heritage Renovation
BLT Construction specializes in complex commercial renovations, particularly within hospitality and retail environments where aesthetics, timelines, and craftsmanship are critical. Their portfolio includes major national and international brands such as:
Air Canada Centre
SHER CLUB (owned by Drake, Toronto)
Fendi Canada Inc.
Holt Renfrew (Ontario)
Caesars Windsor Casino
Given the heritage nature of the Yaletown building, surface restoration required careful planning to protect original materials while achieving a refined, modern finish.
Refinishing Historic Fir Beams and Columns
Ocean Pacific Media Blasting was specifically selected for this project due to extensive experience working with exposed wood in heritage buildings. The interior featured large fir beams and columns that had accumulated decades of paint buildup, water staining, and smoke discoloration.
Rather than replacing these structural elements, the design intent was to restore the original wood and highlight it as a central architectural feature.
Controlled Crushed Glass Media Blasting
Ocean Pacific used crushed glass media to carefully remove surface buildup from the fir beams and columns. This abrasive was chosen for its ability to clean wood effectively without damaging the grain or structure of the material.
The blasting process achieved:
Removal of old paint layers and coatings
Elimination of water and smoke stains
Preservation of wood grain and texture
Consistent results across large timber elements
The process exposed clean, natural fir beneath decades of surface contamination.
Restoring a Raw Wood Heritage Aesthetic
The resulting “raw wood” appearance aligned perfectly with the architectural vision for the renovated space. By retaining and showcasing the original timber, the interior maintained its heritage identity while delivering a modern, high-end aesthetic suitable for a flagship restaurant environment.
This project demonstrates how professional media blasting can play a critical role in heritage restoration—preserving original materials, reducing waste, and delivering finishes that elevate both design and historical value.
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Project Brief
Crushed glass media blasting restored historic fir beams, revealing a clean raw-wood heritage finish.
Client Name
BLT Construction
Category
Abrasive Blasting
Location
Vancouver, BC, Canada
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