Est. 1930
The Hemingway
Building
An iconic landmark in Historic Downtown Abbotsford
Est. 1930
An iconic landmark in Historic Downtown Abbotsford
Our Story
For nearly a century, this building has witnessed the growth of Abbotsford — from hardware stores and pharmacies to bookshops and modern professional offices. Every beam, brick, and floorboard carries a piece of the city's history.
The Hemingway Building, located at 33765 Essendene Avenue, has been a cornerstone of Abbotsford's downtown for over 90 years. Constructed in 1930, the building originally housed a BC Liquor Store on the west side and Weir's Pharmacy on the east, with the basement used for storage and heating.
The bricks used in its construction were sourced from the renowned Clayburn Brick Factory, adding historical significance to its architecture. Some timbers were repurposed from the local train station up the road.
In 1995, the building became home to Hemingway Books and Records, which operated for 33 beloved years before closing in January 2023. The building was then carefully redeveloped to preserve its heritage while creating modern commercial and office spaces.
Since 1907
From a hardware store at the turn of the century, through fires, wars, and decades of change — this building has witnessed Abbotsford grow from a small settlement into a thriving city. Each chapter adds to a story that continues to unfold today.
H. Alanson Hardware operates on the site, one of the earliest businesses on Essendene Avenue.
Hugo P. Knoll takes over the business, renaming it Knoll Hardware.
Knoll enlarges the building into the adjacent vacant lot (21' wide by 68' deep).
Fire wipes out an entire block of the business section of Abbotsford, destroying the Royal Bank, Lee's Grocery, Knoll Hardware and Barber's Shoe Store on Essendene Avenue.
The Crist Building opens its doors with the BC Liquor Store on the west side and Weir's Pharmacy on the east. Built with locally produced Clayburn Company bricks and timbers repurposed from the nearby train station.
Weir's Rexall Pharmacy is damaged by fire.
The building is converted to a single space and occupied by Pay-Less Clothing.
Ronal Television moves into the building.
A fire in the building closes the doors for Suran Enterprises.
The Salvation Army relocates from their Montrose location into the building.
Hemingway's Books and Records opens, becoming an iconic part of Historic Downtown Abbotsford for the next 33 years.
After 33 years, Hemingway's Books and Records closes its doors. Plans begin to redevelop the building back into two original retail spaces, preserving as many architectural features as possible.
Main level and lower level redevelopment completed. Historic features including exposed timbers, original concrete floors, and the 1930s chimney are preserved.
Open Space launches in the west side. The Social Salon opens in the east. Hemingway Professional Offices opens in the lower level.
The Crist building is officially renamed "The Hemingway Building" in recognition of 33 years of Hemingway Books and Records — a household name in Abbotsford.
The building reaches full occupancy for the first time since the 2023 redevelopment.
Heritage
The 2023/2024 redevelopment was carried out with deep respect for the building's heritage. Original features were carefully preserved and restored, creating spaces that honour the past while serving the present.
The building's bricks were sourced from the renowned Clayburn Brick Factory, a historically significant local manufacturer. The exposed 1930s chimney in the lower level was constructed with some of the final bricks the plant ever produced.
The original 1930 timber beams and posts remain in place throughout the building. Additional timbers were reclaimed from the local train station up the road, weaving the building's story into the broader history of Abbotsford.
The 2023/2024 redevelopment refinished the original concrete floors, preserved exposed architectural features, and introduced modern amenities — all while maintaining the building's early 20th-century character.
HPO
Private offices for entrepreneurs and business owners in a historically significant setting. The HPO name pays tribute to 33 years of Hemingway Books and Records — a mainstay of Historic Downtown Abbotsford.
“A really good place to set up office. Very professional offices, well maintained and a very special thanks to Ryan for being so accommodating and very prompt when you need help. The best people to do business with.”
“This space is clean, organized, and well cared for, making it a great place to work productively. Management is responsive and very helpful, and the location is excellent, with easy access to coffee shops and ample parking!”
“The attention to detail demonstrates a deep understanding of how our surroundings can influence a positive, uplifting, and motivating environment. From the moment one steps into the office, it is evident that a great deal of thought and care has gone into creating a space that is both energizing and conducive to productivity.”
Spaces
Two main-floor retail spaces with generous proportions, natural light, and the character of a historic downtown building.
Occupied by: Open Space (Downtown Abbotsford Association)
Originally the 1930 BC Liquor Store location.
Occupied by: The Social Salon
Originally the 1930 Weir's Rexall Pharmacy location.
Getting to The Hemingway Building is easy — downtown Abbotsford offers a variety of free and affordable parking options.
Shared parking lot behind the building (accessed from Bob Bos Lane) with permit. Two dedicated short-term visitor stalls at the front entrance for HPO visitors.
Free on-street stalls throughout downtown with 2–3 hour limits (9am–6pm). Unrestricted stalls available on the edges of downtown.
Seven city-owned lots offering a mix of time-limited and all-day parking, all free of charge.
The most cost-effective monthly parking downtown. Located at 2540 West Railway Street. Contact the Downtown Abbotsford Association or call 778-666-0451.
Paid lots including 33835 George Ferguson Way (within a block of the building) and Abbotsford Centre. Visit impark.com for rates.
For a complete overview including maps, visit the City of Abbotsford's Downtown Parking page.
Film Friendly
Downtown Abbotsford's historic character, varied locations, and artistic wall murals attract film productions year-round. The Hemingway Building offers unique spaces for your next project.
Two 1,500 sq ft units with 12-foot ceilings, plus office spaces featuring 1930s-era brick and timber finishes.
The building's expansive walls and prominent downtown positioning make it an ideal backdrop for exterior shots.
Rear parking area accommodates equipment trucks, trailers, and personnel staging areas.
FAQ
Each private office (~140 sq ft) includes 24/7 secure access, fast and secure private internet (isolated to your office), access to the shared kitchen, two meeting rooms, and a large common area. Two dedicated short-term visitor parking stalls are located at the front entrance.
We offer all-inclusive, flat-rate rental agreements in 6-month, 12-month, 24-month, and 36-month terms. Your rent covers everything — heat, cleaning of common areas, internet, and all operating expenses (no triple net / NNN surprises). Contact us for current pricing and availability.
Yes. Each office has its own fast and secure private network, completely isolated from other offices. The network and internet are professionally managed by Abbotsford's leading Managed Service Provider, also based in Historic Downtown Abbotsford.
Yes. All tenants have 24/7 secure access to their office and the shared amenities.
Two dedicated visitor parking stalls are located right at the front of the building, offering 15-minute and 30-minute parking. Additional street parking and public lots are available nearby.
Yes. There are two shared meeting rooms available for all HPO tenants, included with your rental agreement.
33765 Essendene Avenue in Historic Downtown Abbotsford, BC. The building is easily accessible with street parking, public lots, and rear lot parking available.
Originally known as the Crist Building, it was constructed in 1930 and housed a BC Liquor Store and Weir's Pharmacy. It later became home to Hemingway Books and Records for 33 years (1995–2023), one of Abbotsford's most beloved businesses. The building was renamed "The Hemingway Building" in November 2024.
Owner Dave Kyle retired and closed the business on January 14, 2023, after 33 years of operation. The building was then carefully redeveloped to preserve its heritage while creating modern commercial and office spaces. The Hemingway name lives on through the building and HPO.
Yes! The building is film-friendly and offers indoor and outdoor filming locations, plus crew staging areas in the rear parking lot. Contact us for availability and rates.
There's a shared parking lot behind the building (accessed from Bob Bos Lane), two visitor stalls at the front, plus 2-hour street parking downtown and several free public lots nearby. Permits are required for the rear lot.
The building is home to Open Space (operated by the Downtown Abbotsford Association) on the west side, The Social Salon on the east side, and Hemingway Professional Offices in the lower level.
The Location
The Hemingway Building is on Essendene Avenue, the main street of Abbotsford's original downtown — a walkable strip of independent shops, cafes, and professional offices with free street parking and a growing reputation as the city's creative hub.
Get In Touch
Whether you're interested in renting an office, have questions about the building, or want to book a filming location — drop us a line.