Words + images
by Thomas Albrighton

Vancouver natives Tom and Courtney made their way back to The West Coast in 2021 following over a decade of life and experience in Toronto. Well-established in their careers, their return to Vancouver marked a new chapter—working from home for companies based abroad. Being long time friends, I was honoured when they approached me to help them on the search for their new home. As first time home buyers they were open to learning the possibilities that the Vancouver market had to offer. The new space that they were to find was going to have to accommodate work from home. Another important factor in their search was the ‘need’ for storage space; Tom’s design work sometimes required him to have up to six bicycles on hand. Combine these factors with their tasteful design aesthetics, their loft at C2C Lofts was the perfect match.

C2C Lofts is arguably New Westminsters most unique building. Located on the waterfront Downtown this award winning heritage conversion was originally the City Post Office built back in 1955. In 2002 the building was fully revitalized to contemporary industrial style lofts. Units today offer large unique open living spaces, high industrial ceilings, exposed beams and piping.

Tom: Architecturally inspiring, functional and most importantly (within our budget) were the three main pillars of our home search. This loft checked all these boxes and more. Our budget was quite limited especially in the lower mainland but we knew we could find something if we looked hard enough and were patient. This converted 1955 Post Office was what we were looking for with its 13 foot high ceilings, the imposing columns in the kitchen and the 9 foot by 9 foot heritage windows overlooking the Fraser River, were the show-stopping elements that had us confident in our choice. The livability of this loft was also paramount with storage for a dozen bicycles, which are a quintessential part of our life, as well as the spacious rooms to allow for not one, but two working areas really sealed the deal. We've called this place home now for two years and we still feel lucky everytime we walk through the door knowing we get to live here. 

Tom: Architecturally inspiring, functional and most importantly (within our budget) were the three main pillars of our home search. This loft checked all these boxes and more. Our budget was quite limited especially in the lower mainland but we knew we could find something if we looked hard enough and were patient. This converted 1955 Post Office was what we were looking for with its 13 foot high ceilings, the imposing columns in the kitchen and the 9 foot by 9 foot heritage windows overlooking the Fraser River, were the show-stopping elements that had us confident in our choice. The livability of this loft was also paramount with storage for a dozen bicycles, which are a quintessential part of our life, as well as the spacious rooms to allow for not one, but two working areas really sealed the deal. We've called this place home now for two years and we still feel lucky everytime we walk through the door knowing we get to live here.