She's typically on the other side of the wood... but our art-glass bar makes one killer backdrop for GM, Louisa Cohen

I can’t believe it’s been one full year at the helm of this wonderful venue. Sometimes it feels like only a few weeks ago that I stepped into my role as GM - it also feels like I’ve been here since 1907 (that’s an Easter egg for anyone who’s paying attention…)

As I settled into the 'Bank Manager's Office' one year ago things were happening at lighting speed - I was eating, sleeping, and breathing this place - to be honest almost any given week you'll still find my dry cleaning at The Permanent if you know where to look... When 330 West Pender was a functioning bank - the manager lived on site - so perhaps this is apropos for the space I've assumed...

Seeing this stunning heritage bank building transform from a restoration project and renovation site into a busy and elegant event space has been so exciting me for me. My father's passion for heritage spaces combined with Vancouver’s need for unique and exciting spaces has been inspiring.

For me personally It has also been scary, challenging, and really just a super awesome wild ride into the event and hospitality industry.

We’ve played home to the cast of Riverdale, partied through the holidays with classy corporate crews of all sorts, hosted the launch virtual reality headsets to top-of-the-line toothbrushes, showcased incredible catering, created cocktail magic… and of course watched so many incredible couples ‘lock it down’ in front of the vault.

I don’t think any of this could have been accomplished successfully without a killer staff, our talented vendors, partners, and the stories of our phenomenal clients - all of them in-part making this old building sing.

After this year in - a heartfelt thank you to all of you I’ve met along the way... to many more celebrations together.

With my very best, Louisa