Kiwassa Tag

Let us share about a special pocket of Strathcona.

Nestled east of Raymur Ave and south of East Hastings Street you’ll find a pocket of Strathcona with a special sense of community. Known by some as the Kiwassa district of Strathcona, the railroad tracks act as a borderline to a unique mix of industrial businesses, residential homes (including many heritage homes), artist spaces, and Admiral Seymour Elementary School. 

There’s a rich history of resiliency and creativity here. The iconic Militant Mothers Raymur Overpass connects the area for pedestrians to the west of Strathcona. It symbolizes the strength and integrity that has always been a part of this neighbourhood’s character. Many of the commercial buildings in the area have an illustrious past of being home to hardworking family-owned and operated businesses. A legacy of past and current artist spaces is synonymous with the area. Many artists and creatives in the neighbourhood have long participated in the Eastside Culture Crawl, an initiative of the Eastside Arts Society who help build capacity for artists and promote space for arts and culture as a cornerstone of community development.  

And there’s more excitement in store for the future. 

An exciting development is coming to the area, designed to fit harmoniously into the industrial and creative fabric of the community. Assembly Strathcona, located directly across from Admiral Seymour Elementary School, is bringing courtyard-style residential units set over 11 new merchant spaces inspired by Bauhaus design. The commercial spaces are aimed at creating an inspiring workspace for retail, office, and creative industrial users. Assembly is poised to become a creative hub for artists, makers, and creative agencies alike and we can’t wait to welcome them to the Kiwassa area of Strathcona.

Assembly has already confirmed three brand new businesses who will be joining the neighbourhood. They all have one thing in common and that’s a focus on creative work – whether it’s jewelry-making, design or branding. We’re excited to see what kind of other creative businesses Assembly will house in the near future.

Keep reading for a list of current businesses coming to Assembly in 2023.

loverstempo.com

Whether you’re getting dressed for your 9-5, a Saturday night out, or the special event of the year—Lover’s Tempo wants you to feel your finest.

They offer beautiful, delightful jewelry at accessible prices, so that everyday, and every occasion can feel a little romantic.

Why Strathcona: “We wanted a space and community that reflected our creativity. We were longing for a place we could gather with other like-minded businesses”

carterhales.com

A branding agency. Visual identity, digital, and packaging for companies that aren’t afraid to be interesting. Remarkable designers doing award-winning work that gets ambitious brands noticed.

Why Strathcona: “We have plans to expand our business to showcase and promote artists, design-driven products and the creative economy. We plan to do this by creating a gallery and creative hub at Assembly. We are surrounded by so much creative talent that could benefit from having their stories told and a space to showcase them”

roodenburg.com

Roodenburg Design Consultants works locally and internationally with governments, NGOs, and companies to advance social progress through design, branding and communication campaigns.

Why Strathcona: “The mix of industrial, retail and residential at Assembly reflects the neighborhood environment, so being a part of the building feels integrated with the community and fits with our design firm’s mentality of being a part of things at a local level.”

More About Assembly:

“Assembly is a boutique community offering 11 commercial strata units below 40 courtyard townhomes and condominiums. The Bauhaus-inspired design reflects a synthesis of multiple art forms aimed at creating an inspiring workspace for retail, office and creative industrial users. The clean lines and industrial design elements honor the history of the neighborhood while re-imagining what future workspace can be. Assembly is located in the burgeoning area of Strathcona, one of Vancouver’s oldest and unique neighborhoods with a deep history in industry and creativity. Assembly is the prototype for the ultimate live-work lifestyle, minutes from downtown Vancouver but far enough away to appreciate the fabric of an authentic neighbourhood. Assembly will be Strathcona’s premier opportunity for innovators and professionals alike with a mission to remain genuine to the community it resides in.”

For more information on available commercial spaces please visit Assembly’s website.