For Vancouver’s local artists, finding studio and exhibition spaces can be a challenge. The VMF Unleased project examines ways to transform underused commercial properties into temporary artist spaces, particularly for emerging and BIPOC artists.
Our Community Bikes (OCB) is a non-profit community bike shop in Vancouver’s Mount Pleasant neighbourhood. The lease on OCB’s current storefront is set to expire in the medium term and the organization contracted Hessey to complete a facility plan to support a future relocation.
The Vancouver Aboriginal Child & Family Services Society (VACFSS) engaged Hessey in 2020 after their lease was not renewed for their Child and Family Services office due to a landlord development project on the site.
To prepare for the relocation of the Downtown Eastside Neighbourhood House (DTES NH), a functional program was completed to find potential leasehold properties and maximize the impact of the DTES NH’s community programs.
In 2021, the City of Vancouver DTES Planning Team engaged a consultant team convened by Hessey to address access to affordable goods, services, and inclusive spaces in the Downtown Eastside (DTES) through the creation of an innovative funding program.
Hessey and CIRES are aligned and often key partners in the development and delivery of innovative programs that serve to create local equity. These programs are typically directed at community-serving organizations and support their ability to achieve secure commercial space tenure.