Architect Bing Thom left his fingerprints on Surrey's skyline

Vancouver architect Bing Thom, who died this week, helped take Surrey from sprawl to skyscrapers.

Thom designed the City Centre Library, Guildford Aquatic Centre and Central City/SFU tower, which became the foundation for what is now downtown Surrey.

"He really advocated for [the city's slogan], 'The future lives here,' for Surrey and he was one of our strongest proponents for what Surrey could be," said Surrey Mayor Linda Hepner.

"His vision played a tremendous role in where we are today."

Building a downtown

When Thom took on the Central City/SFU project, Surrey had no downtown.

"You had Surrey Place Mall, as it was called then, and really limited development in that area," said Surrey Board of Trade CEO Anita Huberman.

"What he was able to do with his dialogue and his innovation around building design work is he has been able to transcend a light into the city."

Huberman said Thom's work transformed the area into an attractive place for businesses, investors and residents to put down roots.

Former Surrey mayor Bob Bose said if it wasn't for Thom, the city would look much different.

"I think we'd still be struggling," Bose said.

"Building a city centre was a new experience for Surrey and Bing was absolutely central to that."

Other projects

After the tower was completed, Thom returned to the city to design a library, which is another key piece of Surrey's downtown.

Thom's last Surrey project, the Guildford Aquatic Centre, opened last year.

"He spoke globally and he spoke so proudly of our city wherever he went," Huberman said.

"He was a true Surrey ambassador."

Developer Charan Sethi, who has an ambitious plan to transform the north end of King George Blvd. into the 'Yaletown of Surrey,' tried to recruit Thom for the project.

"He was so busy with his projects in China and elsewhere," Sethi said.

"He told me he was so busy he couldn't scratch his head, so we weren't able to work together."