Central 1 Credit Union

It’s hard not to notice this big, brick building with a large golden hands-​and-​globe logo that stands near the base of the Burrard Bridge. You also have a great view of it from the Granville Bridge.
What is it? Some sort of U.N.I.C.E.F. or other kind sort of world-​loving charity? Well, not quite. It’s the Central 1 Credit Union Building (formerly Credit Union Central of British Columbia, until it merged with the Central of Ontario).
A credit union — so you can go in there and get a mortgage or use the ATM? No. There are no teller kiosks or cash dispensing machines of any sort on site. This is an umbrella organization that looks after all the credit unions in the two provinces — so this is an office building. It is a financial facility and trade association that represents all the financial institutions under the credit union umbrella — serving 2.8 million members worth more than $ 60 billion!
Entrance to the building is restricted to workers and their guests, but if you happen to be one of those, the building has a cafeteria in the basement and a gym on the second floor. Parking is a nightmare, but the seawall passes right in front of it, making it a great destination to approach on foot.
Curiosity about this building may end now!