In between Rath Art Supplies and Midtown Mailbox and Business Centre is the small entryway to the building’s Second floor at 2414 Main. The building’s stainless steel numerals, doors, window frames and simple horizontal overhang to the entryway are indicative of the Streamline Moderne’s affinity for slick, shiny surfaces.
The upstairs offices have continually been used by businesses, professionals, community groups and non-profit associations emblematic of the neighbourhood and important to its social and cultural fabric. In the 1950s, 60s and 70s, there was a high concentration of industrial workers associations and credit unions mixed among various professionals, as well as community groups like the Vietnam Action Committee and Canadian Jewish Outlook Magazine. Since the late 1980s, the offices have been home to many arts organizations and artists. The Fringe Festival and Public Dreams Society had offices in the building for awhile and my longstanding friend and artist Joe Haag has had his studio there for over twenty years. His next door neighbour is Enjoy the Journey travel agency and the small Vancouver/Valencia, Spain design firm Lobby Studio is up there too.
Down the hall from Joe at number five is CSA Space, an independent Canadian project space that exhibits innovative contemporary artworks of all kinds. The space was founded by Chris Brayshaw, Adam Harrison and Steven Tong and exhibitions are by invitation. As the website says, it is open 7 days a week during normal business hours and for admission, see Pulpfiction Books, get the key, turn on the light and see the show. I so appreciate this novel and trusting way of engaging.
The Triangle Building has been owned for decades by a family who keep the rents affordable. They were recognized a few years back in the MetroNews article ‘Landlord helps keep block ‘alive’. Their Art Moderne gem is a widely appreciated building in what has become affectionately known as Mount Pleasant’s ‘Heritage Heart’, the triangle block and area around it. This historic area has been the heart of the neighbourhood since its creation in the 1880s and 90s. Some, including me, characterize the Triangle Building as the aorta of the ‘Heritage Heart’. It truly is a beloved and vital arts and shopping hub where people like to come together. I feel lucky to live close by.
