First Baptist Church Restoration

First Baptist Church

Vancouver, BC

Originally constructed in 1911, the First Baptist Church underwent a major renewal as part of the Butterfly Tower development by Westbank. Drawing inspiration from its heritage, the historic entry was restored and reimagined to create a sunken courtyard space offering respite from the city and greater integration with it. Terraced concrete stairs and an accessibility ramp lead to a generously sized gathering space, framed on two sides by a linear water feature with bubblers spilling water over dark, basalt-faced walls.

At the base of the water feature, granite-faced seat walls create a small amphitheatre for people to enjoy the fresh air while taking in the meticulously restored details of the surrounding church walls. The vivid green foliage of Western sword ferns and Katsura trees contrasts strikingly with the natural stone façade. In autumn, the leaves of the Katsura trees turn a vibrant yellow, marking a seasonal transformation within the space.