Our Legacy

Six Decades of Shaping the City We Call Home.

Our Story

Founded in 1969, Wall Financial began as a small family-owned development company focused on creating thoughtful homes for Vancouver residents. Over the years, the company has expanded its portfolio to include residential, rental, hotel, and commercial properties throughout Metro Vancouver and beyond.

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Our projects, like Shannon Mews, Yaletown Park, Wall Centre Central Park, and Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre, reflect a consistent dedication to timeless architecture, urban livability and community growth.

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Today, Wall Financial remains a cornerstone of Vancouver’s real estate landscape, continuing to invest in developments that balance heritage preservation and modern design.

Our Timeline

July 31, 1962

Incorporation of Wall & Redekop Corporation

The 1960’s were formative years in the construction and real estate development industry for Peter Wall

The 1960's were formative years in the construction and real estate development industry for Peter Wall, co-founder and visionary leader, who established cement, dry wall, and lumber businesses – all of which supported his ambition to build quality homes all over the Lower Mainland. Hi passion for raising capital and building a better city was shared by his cousin, Peter Redekop. Wall & Redekop Corporation Ltd. was incorporated on July 31, 1962. In the early days, Wall and Redekop owned and operated a variety of businesses that included Atlas Construction, Mavis Securities, Chester Securities, Munroe Lumber and Sperling Lumber. The business focused on building single family homes and apartment buildings throughout the lower mainland, but they also owned successful farming operations in Clearbrook, B.C. that at one point in time supplied ten percent of the province's egg consumption.

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1966

Peter Wall and Robert (Bob) H. Lee start Wall

In 1966, Peter Wall and Robert H. Lee united their shared entrepreneurial drive to co-found the enterprise that would become Wall Financial Corporation.

In 1966, Peter Wall and Robert H. Lee united their shared entrepreneurial drive to co-found the enterprise that would become Wall Financial Corporation. Their historic partnership combined bold urban vision with a deep-seated commitment to the community, establishing a legacy of landmark developments that continue to define the Vancouver skyline today.

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Left to right: Peter Redekop, President; Peter Wall, Chairman; Robert Lee, John Redekop, Isidor Wolfe, and Clare Baldwin

1967

Acquisition of Shannon Mansion & Estate

In 1967, Peter Wall bought the Shannon Estate, a 19th century Beaux-Art mansion

In 1967, Peter Wall, co-founder and visionary leader, bought the Shannon Estate, a 19th century Beaux-Art mansion built on a ten-acre parcel of land in Kerrisdale. The Estate was purchased from Jack Bentley, President of the Vancouver Teachers Pension Fund, who had purchased the Estate from the Austin C. Taylor family in 1966.

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When it was purchased by Wall, the property was in a state of neglect and disrepair. Peter immediately engaged internationally renowned Vancouver architect, Arthur Erickson, to create plans to restore and preserve the Mansion and historic estate, while incorporating new ground-oriented townhomes with a contemporary West Coast aesthetic. Unfortunately, Peter's plans to revitalize the property were met with significant opposition by members of the public and City Council alike. Unafraid to push forward, Peter said, "a gamble was not to be missed, and this was certainly a beautiful gamble." Aided by Douglas M. Brown, a prominent lawyer at that time and known for his victory in representing B.C. Electric vs. the Government of British Columbia, Wall successfully rezoned the Shannon Estate for redevelopment in 1972.

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The original redevelopment of Shannon Mews was completed in 1974 and marked a major milestone for Wall and Redekop. Comprised of 161 apartments and townhomes, this development was a significant financial success for the Company while realizing Wall's vision for the property to unite the historic Beaux-Art architecture with a modern contemporary expression.

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Wall Shannon Estates was again redeveloped in 2018, and has since been recognized for its significant contributions to Vancouver's cultural preservation with the City's Heritage Award. The redevelopment was also awarded the Masonry Award for its heritage perimeter wall preservation and exemplary brickwork throughout the estate.

January 31, 1969

Wall & Redekop Corporation Goes Public

On January 31, 1969, Wall & Redekop Corporation Ltd. was officially established

On January 31, 1969, Wall & Redekop Corporation Ltd. was officially established as a public company through the statutory amalgamation of Atlas Construction, Mavis Securities, Chester Securities, Munroe Lumber, and Sperling Lumber. With Peter Wall as its Chairman and Peter Redekop as President, Wall & Redekop Corporation would go on to become one of the largest integrated real estate companies in B.C. On May 8 of that year, the Company was listed on the Vancouver Stock Exchange with an initial share capital of 3,000,000 shares. The initial offering of 3,000,000 shares at $4.00 valued the company at $12,000,000‍

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1972

Shannon Estate Rezoned for Development

Shannon Estate successfully rezoned for redevelopment

Aided by the efforts of Douglas McK. Brown, a prominent lawyer known for his victory in representing B.C. Electric vs. the Government of British Columbia, Peter Wall, co-founder and visionary leader, successfully had the Shannon Estate rezoned for redevelopment in 1972. This paved the way for the creation of Shannon Mews while preserving the historic mansion.

1973

Listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange

In 1973, Wall & Redekop Corporation was listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange

In 1973, Wall & Redekop Corporation was listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange in an effort to increase interest in the Company among investors in Eastern Canada.

1988

Wall & Redekop Corporation becomes Wall Financial Corporation

In 1988, shareholders approved the Company’s name change

In 1988, shareholders approved the Company’s name change from Wall & Redekop Corporation to Wall Financial Corporation. This name change, and record earnings, marked the Company’s success and celebration of its 20th Anniversary.

1989

Wall Centre Property Acquired

Wall Centre lands acquired for $30 million

Wall Financial Corporation acquired the lands for the Wall Centre Vancouver for a reported $30 million. The site, an old school property that had been a parking lot for almost 30 years, would become the location of Vancouver's most iconic hotel and residential complex.

1991

Breaking Ground and Building the Wall Centre Vancouver

Following the purchase of this Downtown Vancouver property in 1989, the official ground-breaking ceremony was held in 1991

Following the purchase of this Downtown Vancouver property in 1989, the official ground-breaking ceremony was held in 1991 and attended by some of Vancouver’s and Canada’s most important and influential people including future Prime Minister Kim Campbell, Premier Gordon Campbell, and the former Premier, Honourable Mike Harcourt. It was the largest construction project in Vancouver at the time, involving more than one million hours of local employment and was also the deepest excavation in Vancouver at that time.

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Construction of the initial phase consisting of 226 residential units and 390 hotel rooms was completed in 1993. The subsequent Phase 2 commenced in 1996, and is one of the most controversial yet successful developments in the history of Vancouver.

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Today, the Wall Centre Hotel offers 746 guest rooms, 74 luxury residential units, and 29 timeshare units with an additional 55,000 sq. ft. of meeting space.

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1991

Peter Wall Institute for Advanced Studies is Established

In 1991, Peter Wall established the Peter Wall Institute of Advanced Studies

In 1991, Peter Wall, co-founder and visionary leader, donated 6.5 million shares of Wall Financial Corporation to establish the Peter Wall Institute of Advanced Studies with a clear goal to "generate ideas, research and initiatives that wouldn't otherwise happen." Originally valued at $15 million, It is the largest private donation in UBC's history.

1994

Completion of 1050 Burrard at Wall Centre

1050 Burrard at Wall Centre completed as Phase 1

1050 Burrard at Wall Centre, a 30-storey residential tower with 220 units, was completed in 1994 as Phase 1 of the Wall Centre complex. The property originally opened under the name Wall Centre Garden Hotel and represented the largest construction project in Vancouver at the time.

1995

Peter Wall Receives UBC Honorary Doctorate

Peter Wall awarded Honorary Doctorate from UBC

The University of British Columbia awarded Peter Wall, co-founder and visionary leader, an Honorary Doctorate in recognition of his extraordinary philanthropic contributions, including his landmark $15 million donation to establish the Peter Wall Institute for Advanced Studies.

1996

Wall Centre Phase 2 Begins

Wall Centre Phase 2 construction begins

Phase 2 of the Wall Centre Vancouver began in 1996, setting the stage for what would become one of the most controversial yet successful developments in Vancouver's history - the iconic One Wall Centre tower.

1998

Stanley Theatre

Instrumental in saving this beloved Granville Street landmark, ensuring live theatre remains at the heart of Vancouver's South Granville neighbourhood.

Wall Financial Corporation played an instrumental role in the rehabilitation of the Stanley Theatre on Granville Street. Originally opened in 1930 as a grand movie palace with over 1,200 seats, the Art Deco landmark was closed in 1991 and faced the threat of commercial redevelopment.

To help make the restoration financially viable, Wall Financial negotiated a $1.4 million contribution to the City of Vancouver in exchange for density transfer at One Wall Centre downtown, covering the municipal funding gap that had stalled the project. This creative solution helped ensure the theatre could be preserved as a cultural venue rather than converted to retail space.

The Stanley reopened in 1998 as a fully restored 650-seat live theatre and flagship venue for the Arts Club Theatre Company, the largest theatre company in Western Canada. The restoration received a 1999 City of Vancouver Heritage Award, and the theatre continues to anchor the South Granville arts district as one of the city's most cherished performance venues.

2001

One Wall Centre Awarded the Emporis Award for the “World’s Skyscraper of the Year”

In 2001, upon completion of the Phase 2 North Tower and the Hotel’s grand opening, the One Wall Tower received international acclaim

In 2001, upon completion of the Phase 2 North Tower and the Hotel’s grand opening, the One Wall Tower received international acclaim as the winner of the Emporis Award for the “World’s Skyscraper of the Year.” The One Wall Centre won the award by a margin of 297 votes over the runner-up, Donald Trump’s Millennium Point Tower in New York City. This type of recognition for the architectural innovation and beauty of the One Wall Centre was an extraordinary accomplishment and still is to this day, being the only Canadian skyscraper to ever receive this recognition.

April 8, 2004

Hastings Racecourse Acquisition

Peter Wall acquires 40% stake in Hastings Racecourse

Peter Wall, co-founder and visionary leader, acquired a 40% interest in Hastings Racecourse in Vancouver for $5.4 million, in partnership with Great Canadian Gaming Corporation. This investment reflected Peter's lifelong passion for thoroughbred horse racing. Wall later sold the stake for a profit of $17 million after Council approved the addition of slot machines.

February 2009

York Theatre Restoration Announced

Wall Financial announces $12M York Theatre restoration

Wall Financial Corporation announced a $12 million investment to restore the historic York Theatre on Commercial Drive, built in 1913 as the Alcazar Theatre. The restoration, designed by Henriquez Partners architect Gregory Henriquez, would preserve the 1940s Art Deco façade while adding a modern 2-storey glass lobby.

2010

Completion of Wall Centre Richmond

Wall Financials’ focus on adding quality revenue generating properties to the Company portfolio saw the completion of the Westin Wall Centre

Wall Financials’ focus on adding quality revenue generating properties to the Company portfolio saw the completion of the Westin Wall Centre in Richmond in 2010. The hotel offers 185 guest rooms and 232 condominium units across 2 towers, with an additional 7,500 sq.ft. of meeting space.

2011

VSO Music School

Construction and development of the VSO Music School

Construction and development of the VSO Music School, expansion of the Orpheum Theatre, and a new Rehearsal Hall space at 843 Seymour Street (adjacent to the Capitol Residences). Completed in 2011.

2013

Historic York Theatre

Renovation and heritage restoration of the historic York Theatre on Commercial Drive

Renovation and heritage restoration of the historic York Theatre on Commercial Drive. This 100- year old, 370-seat theatre celebrates Vancouver’s vibrant history of live theatre production and is operated by the Cultch. Completed in 2013.

2015

The Historic Shannon Estate

Heritage revitalization and presentation of the historic Shannon Estate

Heritage revitalization and presentation of the historic Shannon Estate at 57th Avenue & Granville Street. The heritage elements consist of a Beaux-Art Mansion, elaborate Italianate garden, a Coach House, Gate House, and a perimeter stone and brick privacy wall. Completed in 2015.

2016

BMO Theatre Centre

Construction and development of a new performance theatre space with 200 seats

Construction and development of a new performance theatre space with 200 seats and associated administration offices totalling approximately 44,000 sq. ft. of area as part of the Wall Centre False Creek development on 1st Avenue in southeast False Creek. Completed in 2016

2018

Completion of Strathcona Village

Strathcona Village completed - first mixed industrial/residential in North America

Strathcona Village, located at 933-983 E Hastings Street in Vancouver, was completed in 2018. This groundbreaking 300,000 sq ft development was the first mixed-use industrial and residential project of its kind in North America, featuring 350 homes including 70 social housing units. The project won the Urban Development Institute award for Excellence & Innovation and Best in Show.

2018

Redevelopment of Shannon Mews

Shannon Mews redevelopment completed with Heritage Award

Wall Shannon Estates was redeveloped in 2018, recognized for its significant contributions to Vancouver's cultural preservation with the City's Heritage Award. The redevelopment was also awarded the Masonry Award for its heritage perimeter wall preservation and exemplary brickwork throughout the estate.

February 2020

Bob Lee passing

Co-founder Bob Lee passes away

In 2020, the community mourned the passing of Robert H. Lee, a visionary co-founder whose integrity and philanthropic spirit were foundational to the success of Wall Financial Corporation. His profound impact on the landscape of Vancouver remains a lasting testament to his leadership and his unwavering commitment to building a better city for future generations.

2018

Hastings & Gore Community Housing

172 affordable housing units in partnership with BC Housing at 288 East Hastings

Completed in 2018, Hastings & Gore is an 11-storey mixed-use development at 288 East Hastings Street in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, built in partnership between Wall Financial Corporation and BC Housing. The project provides 172 suites of affordable housing, including 104 units of non-market housing and 68 affordable rental apartments, together with 6,000 sq ft of social services space. This development represents Wall Financial's commitment to community-focused housing in one of Vancouver's most vital neighbourhoods.

2022

Peter Wall Legacy Awards Launched

Peter Wall Legacy Awards launched with $4M annual funding

Peter Wall, co-founder and visionary leader, announced the Peter Wall Legacy Fund, a $100+ million endowment providing $4 million in annual awards including Wall Fellowships and Wall Research Awards. The fund focuses on sustainability, urban development, water, energy, transportation, and environmental protection, making it one of the largest internal award programs in North America.

2024

The Aster Community Housing

82 affordable homes in partnership with BC Housing and Brightside at 349 East 6th Avenue

Completed in 2024, The Aster is a 12-storey affordable housing building at 349 East 6th Avenue in Mount Pleasant, developed through a unique partnership between Wall Financial Corporation, BC Housing, and Brightside Community Homes Foundation. The building provides 82 homes for families, seniors, and people living with disabilities. Wall Financial Corporation provided the land and oversaw construction, continuing a legacy of community-focused development that builds on the success of the Hastings & Gore partnership.

August 8, 2024

Wall Centre 30th Anniversary Celebration

Wall Centre celebrates 30th anniversary with rooftop fireworks

Wall Financial Corporation celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Wall Centre Vancouver with a spectacular rooftop fireworks display launched from the top of One Wall Centre. The celebration marked three decades since the first two towers of the Wall Centre were completed in 1994, with the Sheraton Wall Centre remaining the largest hotel in British Columbia.

March 5, 2025

Wall Financial Corporation Honours the Life and Legacy of Founder Peter Wall

Honouring the extraordinary life and legacy of WFC's visionary founder

Wall Financial Corporation proudly honours the extraordinary life and legacy of its visionary founder, Peter Wall. A trailblazing entrepreneur, philanthropist, and city-builder, Peter's influence on Vancouver's skyline, cultural landscape, and intellectual community will be felt for generations. Under his estate arrangements, his controlling interest in Wall Financial Corporation passed to the Peter Wall Legacy Trust. Wall Financial Corporation remains committed to carrying forward his passion, vision, and dedication, building a stronger, more vibrant Vancouver for generations to come.

Vision for the Future

As Vancouver continues to evolve, our mission remains the same: to build enduring spaces that enrich the lives of the people who live and work in them.

Wall Financial’s commitment to community and architectural excellence guides every project we undertake. From restoring heritage landmarks to designing the city’s next generation of urban living. Explore our portfolio.