221A Shortlisted for Granville Island Arts Space

Nonprofit 221A could soon manage the former Emily Carr University building. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) seeks a tenant for the Granville Island location. 221A is on the shortlist to repurpose the 125,000-square-foot facility into a center supporting arts education, performance, and local artists. The group, founded in the building in 2005 by Michelle Fu and Brian McBay, has a strong tie to the location. CMHC launched the Request for Expressions of Interest to find the right tenant. Debra Sparrow, a Musqueam weaver, is slated to lead Indigenous textile work at the site. Extensive renovations are required to convert the building. Costs for the upgrade are projected to range from $2 million to $30 million, borne by the future tenant. CMHC expects to finalize its selection process by the close of 2025. The chosen group will then manage the arts-focused space, adding a new cultural dimension to Granville Island.