There’s much more to the redevelopment of the historic Heatley Block on East Hastings than we reported yesterday. Its eponymous upcoming restaurant, The Heatley, might have us especially excited (on account of our long-standing predilection for food and drink), but it has three equally new neighbours worth mentioning, too.

The 1930s building has a long history of housing small businesses that cater to the surrounding community. They’ve run the gamut over the decades; everything from butcher shops and candy stores to beauty parlours and burger bars. While the building is by no means the hub of the neighbourhood, it’s nevertheless a beloved fixture.

Six years ago, it was saved by neighbourhood opposition to a City plan that would have torn it down to build a new branch of the Vancouver Public Library. The victory was pyrrhic, however, for at least one tenant, Spartacus Books. The non-profit, volunteer-run bookstore – something of an institution – saw fit to move (to Commercial and 18th) after the City sold the building to a developer. With the redevelopment/renoviction have come new tenants.

Floral & Hardy Edible Plants & Gifts was the first of the new wave to arrive in late 2013. They’ve brightened up the storefront at 688 East Hastings selling flowers, edible plants, seeds, teas, candles, artwork and more. They also host a variety of community events.

The next to open its doors – just last month – was Strathcona Tattoo at 684 East Hastings (the old Spartacus Books address). The classic tattoo parlour supports four artists – Jessy Albert Junior, Sasha Koop, Chris Hold and Nick Wasko.

And soon we’ll see opening of the London Field Shoppe next door at 692 East Hastings. It’s the first brick and mortar space from Andrea and Robert Tucker, who for the past seven years have coordinated Got Craft?, one of Vancouver’s best craft fairs. It should open later this month. Expect a unique selection of stationary, books and magazines, soaps and salts, textiles, and a variety of vintage finds.

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