Upcycled Buildings Around the World

Buildings that were once palaces, monasteries and jails are finding new life in the modern world.

- EILEEN FALKENBERG-HULL

01 Gold Medal Bar Craft False Creek

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA

Among the growing scene of skyscrapers in Vancouver, this building stands out for both its history and architecture. In the 1930s, the Vancouver Salt Company's processing plant was housed here. 

Fast forward to the 2010 Olympics when it was refurbished to become an athletes' hangout. Today, the building is home to Craft Beer Market, which has kept many of the architectural elements of the original structure in place in its green, LEED Gold certified renovation.

02 Say Olé!

Quinta Real Zacatecas

ZACATECAS, MEXICO

This luxury hotel faces an ancient aqueduct and surrounds a 17th-century bullfighting ring, all set against the cliffside of historic Cerro de la Bufa. In addition to standout rooms, the hotel's restaurants take advantage of the vintage architecture: La Plaza serves up cuisine while guests overlook Old San Pedro Bullfight Arena and Bar Botarel is located where the bullpens used to be.

03 Exhibit Junction

Cincinnati Museum Center 

CINCINNATI

Built in 1933, this art deco Union Terminal train station boasts the largest half-dome in the western hemisphere at 180 feet across and intricate mosaics depicting 15 different vibrant industries in the Queen City.

In modern days, the complex was converted to house many of the city's museums, including its history, natural history, children's and Holocaust museums, plus an Omnimax theater. Fittingly, an extensive annual holiday train show exhibit chugs along there as well.

04 Willful Incarceration

Liberty Hotel 

BOSTON