The revival of Cambie Village

Once a spot for gas stations and parking lots, this neighbourhood is becoming one of the most dynamic places in all of Vancouver.

Keenan Hood was looking for a new home. 

Hood and his business partners – who run the lauded cocktail institution Keefer Bar in Chinatown – knew they wanted to open a new space, but were agonizing over which neighbourhood to set up in.

“We love [Chinatown] and love all the businesses around there,” Hood said, adding that they were initially looking for a space in Gastown. “But it just feels dark at times. We're like, man, do we really want a second spot like this?”

Then, they found an opportunity in the Atlas Building. The former home of Biercraft and, before that, long-time neighbourhood staple, Tomato, the building is in the heart of Cambie Village, at 3305 Cambie St. on the corner of West 17th Avenue.  

June/Atlas Row Cambie

June/Atlas Row. Ryan Walter Wagner/Vancity Lookout

The team was hesitant at first – the space required extensive renovations – but they soon realized that this quiet, blossoming pocket of the city would be the ideal vibe shift for them. Families are everywhere, and the pedestrians seem to move a little slower. The neighbouring streets are lush with giant trees, and the sun seems to hit differently. Plus, in that location, they wouldn’t have to move their patio furniture in at night, Hood said.  

Until August 10, save 20% off a membership

While most of our stories are free, some are available only to members. To unlock the rest of this exclusive story, you must become a Lookout member.

Already a paying subscriber? Sign In.

A subscription to Vancity Lookout gets you:

  • • Risk free: Cancel anytime and get a 100% refund
  • • Unlock extra long-form stories and restaurant reviews
  • • Access entire archive of stories
  • • Support high-quality, local journalism in Vancouver
  • • Early access to Lookout events