The Dal Grauer Substation building on Burrard Street was originally completed in 1953 and is considered an excellent example of contemporary architecture in the West Coast, Post War, Modernist style.

At first, the west wall of the building was almost completely glazed, allowing passersby to see into the interior. However, the station has experienced several explosions, and in 1977 the original glazing was replaced with a shatterproof Plexiglas material. This substantially changed the appearance of the building, and over time the product has deteriorated. BC Hydro has requested that Busby Perkins+Will, in conjunction with Robert Lemon Architecture and Preservation provide a plan for the refurbishment of the west wall (including the first 9 interior feet), returning it to the original state by the most cost-effective methods.

The Substation is an A-listed Heritage Building, and we anticipate that heritage credits will be available through the City's Heritage Credit Program. Our firm has worked with Robert Lemon on several heritage projects, and we are familiar with the heritage and structural issues associated with the substation through our work on a proposal for an adjacent site.

The refurbishment of the Dal Grauer Substation's Burrard Street facade will be a tremendous benefit to BC Hydro, the surrounding area, and the City’s Heritage Preservation legacy.