'Insane, but I love it': 2 entrepreneurs' idea to turn old SkyTrains into art studios

A project rendering of the repurposed SkyTrain, refitted as an artist's studio. (Courtesy: Sage Brocklebank)

Two Vancouver entrepreneurs have submitted a proposal to TransLink to turn the old SkyTrain carriages into art studios.

David Duprey owns the Narrow Group and has created more than 110,000 square feet of studio space in Vancouver. He says the idea is a way to help the struggling art scene.

He’s been operating the former City Centre Motel as an ‘artist lodge’ and is behind numerous restaurants in Vancouver’s Mount Pleasant neighbourhood.

“Any opportunity to create artist space, I think is amazing and this is a wacky fun way to do it. Like can you imagine a SkyTrain at the side of the road, an empty lot with a bunch of artists working in it.”

Duprey adds there is a shortage of art spaces in the city and his goal is to create more.

“There is a massive demand for it, I mean we have 0 per cent vacancy, like we have a waiting list as long as your arm.”

Sage Brocklebank, owner of Apartment Sage, has been demolishing properties in the city. He partnered with Duprey on the project.

“I immediately thought, well, these have to be utilized, we have to do something with these. For them to end up with scrap metal will be such a shame.”

Brocklebank’s experience coupled with Duprey’s expertise – makes for the perfect duo.

“I’ve been helping homeowners in Vancouver with demolition properties for the last six years and I’ve just taken a lot of houses that are rundown and not great condition and shined them up.”

Brocklebank says the duo have been working with an artist from Europe for the renderings, a place where the concept would likely be seen.

He says there is a lack of cultural connection and personality in Vancouver, something he hopes the SkyTrains can create.

“It would create a lot more interaction which is what really builds the city (…) I think what’s going to happen is it’s going to be a photography thing where people will go around and see where the SkyTrains are. It will be like an easter egg hunt.”

The cars date back to Expo 86 and were the first ones used. With a new generation of trains coming online, the old ones are being retired.

The project will likely cost $30,000-$50,000. Translink tells CTV News the proposals are under review and there will be more updates in the next few months.

Duprey says artists he has spoken to say the idea is “insane, but they all love it.”

The hope is if the project is approved, the SkyTrain carriages will exist all over the province.