A new café-and-cocktail-bar concept is poised to open its doors in Vancouver this summer, offering more than just drinks. Ellipsis is designed as a place to pause, gather, and connect, encouraging visitors to slow down and savour the moment.
Located in the iconic Waterfall Building — one of the final works by celebrated Canadian architect Arthur Erickson, Ellipsis finds its home within an architectural landmark. Originally envisioned as an art gallery, the building’s striking triangular form, open courtyard, concrete walls, and dramatic glass canopy offer a setting filled with natural light and spatial serenity. Designed in 1996 in collaboration with architect Nick Milkovich, the building now serves as the backdrop for this modern hospitality concept.
Ellipsis takes its name from the punctuation mark that symbolizes the passage of time, open-ended thought, and infinite possibility. “In a world that moves faster and faster, I wanted to create a space that invites us to slow down, to pause, to meet in the moment,” says founder Ming Yang. “It’s a café, it’s a bar, but more than that, it’s a space for presence, connection, and meaning.”
At 2,882 square feet with 47 seats, Ellipsis offers an intimate setting on the edge of Granville Island. Yang, a seasoned café operator, brings deep experience in curating warm, community-driven environments. While Ellipsis introduces a fresh concept, its hospitality ethos remains rooted in care, detail, and design.
The redesign, led by SML Studio Architecture and Tetherstone Construction, honours Erickson’s modernist legacy. Brushed stainless steel, geometric millwork, and classic shapes echo his style, while natural materials like wood and soft textiles create a sense of comfort. Burnt orange upholstery and mirrors at the base of the bars add warmth and amplify the space’s openness.
Ellipsis will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. at 205-1540 W 2nd Ave, Vancouver.
For updates, follow @ellipsis.ca on Instagram.
