C2C Lofts

The Federal Building is an International-style modernist building designed by architect E. A. Gardiner. Constructed with reinforced concrete and steel, its minimal ornamentation, granite façade, and linear bands of large windows make it visually dominant. Its first occupants were the Post Office and other federal government departments. This building is one of the few examples of International-style architecture on Columbia Street. The City of New Westminster purchased the Federal Building and Post Office (rear portion, built in 1939) from the federal government in 2000 to house a new police station and revitalize Columbia Street. The City then sold the property to Ballenas Project Management after reviewing their far-sighted proposal to redevelop the entire building, renovating the first two floors to suit the police department, and adding a fifth floor, to create 45 residential units in the top three floors. In 2001, the police moved into their new station, which included significant seismic upgrades to qualify as a post-disaster building; and the C2C loft-style units on the upper floors were offered for sale in 2002. The three C2C Loft units on tour have 12 ft 8 in-high ceilings and original 8 ft-high windows. Unit 401 features a shiplap-patterned concrete ceiling; a master bedroom and ensuite with a cast-concrete vanity and corrugated metal barn-style door accessed by an industrial metal stair; herring-bone pattern ironwood flooring; and a stone fireplace surround. Unit 301 has a massive walk-in safe and a double-wide riveted barn door separating the den/second bedroom from the living room and a limestone fireplace surround. Unit 307 boasts a Fraser River view, an original fireplace, contemporary light fixtures, and a renovated master ensuite.