Emily Carr University Proposes Return to Granville Island Campus

Emily Carr University of Art + Design (ECUAD) has put forward a significant proposal to return to Granville Island, nearly ten years after relocating to a new facility off the island. The initiative, in collaboration with The Narrow Group, a Vancouver-based firm recognized for cultivating artist spaces and eateries, has been shortlisted as part of the bidding process initiated by CMHC Granville Island. This proposal aims to transform the historic 125,000 sq. ft. building at 1399 Johnston St. into a vibrant creative and cultural hub.

Until 2017, the building served as the north campus of ECUAD. Following the university’s move to its current site on Great Northern Way, Arts Umbrella took over the adjacent south building, maintaining the area’s rich tradition of arts education. CMHC Granville Island has long sought an operator to revitalize the former ECUAD building as an “Arts and Innovation Hub,” aligning with its broader vision for the area.

The proposed renovation will expand university operations to include new arts and innovation programs, workshops, and community education. Additionally, it plans to provide affordable studio spaces for artists, as well as retail opportunities that encompass galleries, a café, a restaurant, and an arts supplies store. The design also includes performance and exhibition spaces, areas for community gatherings, and dedicated venues for Indigenous cultural programming.

The vision for the revamped building is to create a lively environment that encourages public engagement, stepping away from its previous use as a private educational facility. The proposal highlights an intention to have an active presence throughout the day, with hundreds of open studios where visitors can interact with artists and observe their creative processes. The exterior corridors are intended to feature dynamic murals, adding to the artistic atmosphere.

“This is a once-in-a-century opportunity to celebrate Emily Carr University’s past, present, and future,” stated Trish Kelly, president of ECUAD. She emphasized the potential for expanded public programs and arts innovation strategies that would foster community engagement and accessibility in arts education.

In support of this vision, David Duprey, CEO of The Narrow Group, expressed the goal of creating an animated space that respects Granville Island’s history while infusing it with new energy. He emphasized the importance of making the space interactive and inviting for visitors, aiming to promote a diverse range of activities, including art, music, dance, and food.

If their proposal is accepted, this will mark The Narrow Group’s largest project to date. The company currently manages over 170,000 sq. ft. of artist space across Vancouver, supporting more than 400 artists. ECUAD’s previous campus location was significant, hosting around 4,000 students who contributed to the local arts community and businesses.

The next steps in the proposal process will be presented to CMHC Granville Island later this month. In an interview earlier this summer, Thomas Lancaster, General Manager of CMHC Granville Island, noted that the procurement process for repurposing the building had drawn seven expressions of interest, narrowing down to two shortlisted proposals. The objective is to find a new tenant that would enhance public access to the building.

Looking ahead, CMHC Granville Island aims to finalize a lease by early 2026, which would initiate tenant-led renovations of the aging facility. The organization is also working to advance elements of the Granville Island 2040 master plan, which envisions the building as an Arts and Innovation Hub featuring spaces for artists, makers, and inventors, along with public amenities like a state-of-the-art auditorium and gallery.

The proposal by ECUAD and The Narrow Group aligns closely with this vision, fulfilling the strategic objectives outlined for the future of the building. Additionally, plans for a significant mixed-use development on an under-utilized parcel near the Granville Street Bridge indicate a broader commitment to revitalizing the area, further enhancing its appeal as a cultural destination.