The top floors of the iconic Central Library of the Vancouver Public Library have been completely renovated.  There are now a number of spaces for the community to enjoy the library, including a rooftop garden space.

“We are absolutely thrilled to open these new spaces at Central Library, and thank everyone who helped us achieve today’s exciting milestone,” says Christina de Castell, chief librarian.  “With more than 5,000 visitors a day to this location, we know our community needs more spaces to collaborate, create, and connect.  Vancouver Public Library plays an important role in Vancouver’s future, and we are grateful to our funding partners including the City of Vancouver, the Government of Canada, and our valued private donors who have made this expansion possible, enabling us to meet the growing needs of our diverse community.”

The rooftop garden space was designed by world renowned landscape architect Cornelia Hahn Oberlander – who also designed the original greenroom back in the mid 1990’s!  Denbow is proud to have been a part of the construction of this challenging renovation.  Working with Horizon Landscape Contractors on the landscape portions of the project under contract with Smith Bros. & Wilson, we manufactured the engineered growing medium requested by  Mrs. Oberlander.  We then installed 257 cubic yards of this specialized medium up onto the 8, 9 and 10th floors for the rooftop garden, planter boxes and greenroof.

It was a challenging project that allowed us to really explore our value of innovation!  We are so thankful to have had the opportunity to contribute to this new community space.  We invite you to visit the rooftop garden – pick out a book to read, take a snack up there, or meet someone new in this beautiful sanctuary in the downtown core of Vancouver.

Vancouver Public Library Foundation says:

Twenty years ago, our community envisioned a public ‘garden in the sky’ at Central Library. Thanks to the generosity of past partners and friends of PH&N, that vision will soon be realized. With spectacular city and mountain views, the Phillips, Hager and North Garden will provide a unique outdoor venue that combines our city’s dual love of nature and learning; perfectly reflecting the legacies of four men who have played vital roles in visioning, and realizing a bright future for Vancouver.

Central Branch of the Vancouver Public Library is located in Library Square which occupies a full city block: bounded by Homer, Hamilton, Robson and Georgia Streets.