Vancouver Motel Transformed Into Open Art Studio

By Elke Porter | WBN News Vancouver | May 29, 2026
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A vibrant cultural ecosystem is breathing new life into one of Vancouver’s most recognizable mid-century landmarks. In 1953 the historic City Centre Motel, at 6th and Main, was "Vancouver's newest and most modern motel". Located a short walk from Science World at 2111 Main Street in the Mount Pleasant neighbourhood, it has recently successfully transitioned from a vacant roadside motel into a bustling, decentralized Open Art Studio collective known as the City Centre Artist Lodge.

Who and What is Inside

The transition was spearheaded by property owners Nicola Wealth Real Estate alongside real estate and arts operator The Narrow Group, who stepped in to convert the building into affordable, interim workspaces for local creatives.

Today, the former motel rooms serve as independent hubs for more than 75 artists and small businesses. Visitors walking through the complex can explore an eclectic variety of specialized micro-studios. The space features immersive workshops like a dedicated candle studio, an illustration studio, and a hands-on spin pottery ceramic space. It also highlights local independent creators, including the high-end apparel and custom designs of Triple Five Studio, the raw visual style of Fingerless Joe, dynamic painting studios, and vintage thrift consignment curation.

Where and When it is Happening

Situated at the intersection of Main Street and East 6th Avenue—acting as a visual gateway between the False Creek flats and Mount Pleasant—this artistic colony represents a temporary, high-impact activation strategy. The open studio layout took off heavily following the motel’s operational closure and serves as a vital creative community oasis while the site progresses through its long-term urban planning and redevelopment phases.

Why and How This Matters

The project addresses a critical crisis in Vancouver’s arts sector: the rapid loss of affordable production spaces due to skyrocketing commercial rents and gentrification. Rather than leaving the 1950s-era building boarded up and vacant during the extensive multi-year city rezoning process, the developers saw an opportunity to provide a lifeline to the community.

By charging accessible, lower-cost rent for the individual rooms, they lowered the barrier of entry for local independent makers. The result is a self-sustaining ecosystem that keeps local talent in the neighbourhood, drawing regular foot traffic and transforming an empty parking lot into a vibrant canvas for public events and community connection.

Elke Porter at:
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