Gastown in Peace and War
Where Vancouver Began
Gastown, a National Historic Site of Canada, is the area northeast of Downtown Vancouver, British Columbia, within Hastings, Main, and Richards Streets and the Burrard Inlet waterfront. Vancouver’s first downtown core, where it all began and where the roots remain visible in cobblestone streets and antique streetlights, all of which look like a slice of history between the high-rises of Downtown and the waterfront train yard. Gastown’s name comes from legendary “Gassy” Jack Deighton, a steamboat captain who in 1867 opened the first saloon.
Early Gastown prospered as the site of a sawmill, a seaport, and, not least, an after-hours resort for loggers, fishermen, and the crews of sailing ships. In 1886, the town incorporated as the City of Vancouver but lost all but two of its buildings in the Great Vancouver Fire of that same year. The rebuilt area thrived again as an important ferry and steamship docking and staging area with Hastings and Main as the town centre.
Preserving the Visible 19th Century
After the Great Depression of the 1930s, Gastown fell into decay, decline, and disrepair as a skid row area of cheap beer parlours and flophouses. In the 1960s, citizen concern over preservation of Gastown’s distinctive architecture, which, as in nearby Chinatown and Strathcona, was to be torn down to clear space for a freeway into Downtown, drove a campaign that in 1971 persuaded the provincial government to declare the area an historical site to protect its heritage buildings.
Perhaps Gastown’s most famous landmark is the steam-powered clock at Cambie and Water streets. Built to cover a steam grate of Vancouver’s distributed steam-heating system, the clock prevents street people from sleeping on the grate in cold weather. The low-pressure downtown-wide steam heating network from a plant adjacent to the Georgia Viaduct powers a miniature steam engine in the clock’s base.
Entertainment and Hospitality
Gastown endured decades of neglect as the derelict part of town. Recent revitalization has turned skid row into a stylish destination of unusual enterprises in entertainment, gastronomy, and hospitality. On Alexander Street near Main in the northeastern corner of Gastown, the Alibi Room has “50 taps of local & imported craft beer,” some exclusive to the pub, for beer lovers. On Water Street, there are great meal deals at Pourhouse. On Blood Alley Square, a banner of an upside-down salt shaker beckons passersby to the Salt Tasting Room, a small, friendly tavern where patrons can “assemble a Tasting Plate from our chalkboard’s selection of 10 cheeses, 10 meats, and 10 condiments. The selections change constantly, making it almost impossible to have the same Salt experience twice.”
Visitor Parking
For visitors to Vancouver, parking is no easier and probably more difficult in the busy nightlife of Gastown than in any other part of Downtown Vancouver. Fortunately, the presence one block west of Richards and Water streets of the SkyTrain Waterfront Station and the terminal of the Seabus to North Vancouver makes Gastown access much easier than by car.
Gastown RiotGastown entertainment and hospitality were in unusually short supply on 7 August 1971, when hundreds converged on Maple Tree Square at Alexander, Powell, and Water streets to protest drug law raids. By 10:00 AM, the crowd numbered almost 2,000. After reports of broken windows, the police decided to clear the crowd. After the crowd ignored a warning to disperse, police officers on horseback and in riot gear took action in a battle with people throwing rocks and bottles. An investigation found that the crowd had not degenerated into a mob and that individual officers had used “unnecessary, unwarranted, and excessive force.” Investigator recommendations were to ban demonstrators from taking over public streets, to train police officers specifically for crowd control, to use horses for crowd control on sidewalks only, and to eliminate the use of plainclothes officers for crowd control. |
Information Links:http://vancouver.ca/green-vancouver/hastings.aspx http://vancouver.ca/home-property-development/dtes-local-area-plan.aspx
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New Gastown Live MLS Listings
Gastown, Vancouver, BC
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21 120 POWELL Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale in "PILKINGTON HOUSE" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2364437
$2,398,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2364437
- Bedrooms:
- 3
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 2,800 sq. ft.
Welcome to "Pilkington House", Largest NY Style Concrete & Brick loft in Vancouver nested in a boutique true VIP 7-unit building with only 2 units per floor.Constructed in 1910 as a Glass company & converted to lofts/offices in the early 1990's by Rositch Hemphill Architects (RHA).The Loft features 2 separate entrances,2 open plan living rooms,3 bdrms,2 full bath, 9.5" high ceilings, lots of lights from N/W/S windows,plenty of storage & access to a manicured common rooftop patio & garden.Stone gas fireplace, polished concrete flooring & exposed brick walls. Lrg Modernized Chefs kitchen, stone surface, soft-close cabinetry, 2 wall-mounted ovens, wine fridge, built-in coffee machine! Property also Listed on MLS for SALE as LIVE/WORK – MLS#C8025242 More detailsListed by RE/MAX Crest Realty
- Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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301 7433 CAMBIE Street in Vancouver: South Cambie Condo for sale in "Cambie Gardens" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2408835
$1,889,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2408835
- Bedrooms:
- 3
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,385 sq. ft.
This SE facing 1385 SF 3 bedroom + flex corner home is located at Cambie Gardens, Onni Group's masterplanned community on Vancouver's westside. Lavishly finished w/ engineered HW flooring & carpet in bedrooms, heating & cooling system, automated lighting & sleek roller shades. A gourmet kitchen includes natural stone countertops, oversize waterfall island & premium Sub Zero + Wolf appliance package. Spa-inspired bathrooms boast marble countertops, Nuheat flooring & oversized mirrors w/ LED lighting. Master bedroom offers a walk-in-closet & 5-piece ensuite w/ double sinks, walk-in shower & soaker tub. Owners enjoy exclusive access to over 35,000 SF of amenities including indoor pool, spa & fitness centre. Parking included. More detailsListed by Onni Realty Inc - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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4102 128 W CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VW Condo for sale in "WOODWARDS" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2415253
$1,249,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2415253
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 917 sq. ft.
Iconic Woodwards PENTHOUSE in historic Gastown. Laid out to perfection, this air conditioned, 2 bdrm/2 bthrm (+ work space nice tucked neatly out of sight) offers PANORAMIC MOUNTAIN, OCEAN & CITY VIEWS FROM EVERY ROOM, floor to ceiling windows, high ceilings & open entertaining area. Xtra's incl SS appliances, gas stove, glossy hardwood & tile flooring, quartz countertops & great storage. Internet, heat, hot water, gas, concierge, the coolest gym, lounge, outdoor BBQ & hot tub incl in strata fees. Short walk to Waterfront station, car-sharing at your fingertips, steps to stadiums, rocking restaurants/bars/bistros! 2 SECURE PARKING, rentals OK (6 months min/ 3 months min if furnished) 2 dogs or 2 cats or 1 & 1. What are you waiting for? More detailsListed by RE/MAX Select Properties - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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47 E CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale in "Koret Lofts" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2407192
$1,199,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2407192
- Bedrooms:
- 1
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,181 sq. ft.
Secure courtyard entrance, 16ft ceilings, live/work zoning, and 1181sf of exposed concrete & fir beams - no expense was spared in this magazine-worthy remodel in the 1906 heritage loft conversion building that allows short-term rentals. Entertain around the large square island with tons of custom storage, cook on the 5-burner gas stove, fit house-sized furniture to make this home your home - easily one of the coolest and most unique spaces in Vancouver. The space contrasts grey quartz counters against white & walnut cabinetry; grey hardwood to black s/s appliances & lighting. Convenient powder room on main floor and fully-renovated bathroom (with enormous shower) on loft. One parking stall and surrounded by the city’s coolest restaurants, steps to skytrain & CBD. More detailsListed by Oakwyn Realty Downtown Ltd. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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805 33 W PENDER Street in Vancouver: Downtown VW Condo for sale in "33 Living" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2409525
$1,195,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2409525
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,299 sq. ft.
Welcome to this penthouse level executive loft at 33 Living; a modern concrete building in the heart of downtown just steps to Gastown, Chinatown, and the best amenities in the city. The sleek, modern design of this loft style home is timeless and tasteful with eclectic lighting, granite counter tops, walnut cabinets, stainless appliances as well as slate and concrete floors throughout. 20 ft ceilings and large windows flood the open concept home with natural light and create a bright, airy vibe. Arguably the best feature of the unit is the nearly 500 sq ft. private, South facing rooftop patio, with stunning downtown views. With 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, parking & storage, this unit is the perfect place to call home or rent out as the building has no rental restrictions. Open October 19/20 2-4pm More detailsListed by RE/MAX Crest Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2502 128 W CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VW Condo for sale in "Woodwards W-43" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2418279
$1,150,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2418279
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 917 sq. ft.
Iconic Vancouver landmark property is a masterpiece in design and amenities - Enjoy unobstructed city, mountain, & water views from this private 2 bedroom 2 bathroom North facing unit. Its truly magical! The building boasts the famous W outdoor hot tub, along with unmatched indoor/outdoor lounge and workout space that overlooks Vancouver and North Shore mountains. The unit also yields excellent rental opportunities. Call today for your private viewing! More detailsListed by Century 21 In Town Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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3104 438 SEYMOUR Street in Vancouver: Downtown VW Condo for sale in "CONFERENCE PLAZA" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2402370
$998,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2402370
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 771 sq. ft.
RARE CHANCE PENTHOUSE OPEN BALCONY LUXURY 278SQ.FT North Facing with harbour water view & North Shore Mountains. Corner unit with two side windows. Unobstructed views. Walk to Skytrain terminal, shopping centres, downtown offices, restaurants & recreations. Indoor pool, gym, recreation room, lobby security. Don't miss luxury urban lifestyles opportunity! More detailsListed by Amex Broadway West Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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505 128 W CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VW Condo for sale in "Woodwards" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2403657
$928,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2403657
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 981 sq. ft.
Woodwards, Gastown's landmark building. Enjoy Atrium views from this bright 2 bedroom South corner unit with Juliette balcony. Be proud to call this home, with engineered wood floors, polished concrete ceilings, s/s appliances. Amenities are unsurpassed: Club W features an indoor/outdoor lounging oasis, library, media room, hot tub, gym, and much more. Maintenance fee includes baseboard heat, high speed internet, 24 hour concierge. More detailsListed by Behroyan & Associates Real Estate Services - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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4 9 E CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Townhouse for sale (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2419685
$899,900Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2419685
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,042 sq. ft.
Rare fully renovated Townhouse in the heart of historic Gastown. This end unit townhome is tucked away from the street located in the courtyard and detached from the main building. This 2 level, 2 bedroom townhome was completely renovated in 2016 and is 1,044 SqFt. The main floor has an open kitchen and living area with a south facing patio. Powder room on main floor with extra storage under the stairs closet. Top floor has very large master bedroom with good size walk in closet. 2nd bedroom has vaulted ceiling and windows. Very unique and one of a kind opportunity. More detailsListed by Rennie & Associates Realty Ltd. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2701 108 W CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VW Condo for sale in "Woodwards W32" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2410536
$899,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2410536
- Bedrooms:
- 1
- Bathrooms:
- 1
- Floor Area:
- 801 sq. ft.
The unique opportunity to own the coveted & rarely available 01 FP with spectacular unobstructed, water, NS mountain & city views! This NE corner unit high up on the 27th floor, has never been listed & is impeccably well maintained w/ brand new, indestructible SPC premium flooring, new bathroom tiles & fresh paint throughout. Floor to ceiling windows that allow for extra light & views as far as Mt. Baker, False Creek & everything in between. An abundance of living room space, full master bedroom w/ spa like bathroom, & a spacious kitchen with s/s appliances, gas cooktop, stone counters overtop of a large island to entertain with ease. PERMANENT PARKING STALL located inside the building. - not leased across the street. Full access to W34 amenities. Every day is a good day waking up in #2701 More detailsListed by Oakwyn Realty Ltd. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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