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®# R2458294
21 120 POWELL Street Vancouver V6A 1G1 
$2,249,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2458294
- Bedrooms:
- 3
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 2,814 sq. ft.
Luxurious boutique New York style loft in Gastown! The Historic Pilkington House was converted into 6 massive suites in 1991. A rare loft homes just steps away from fine dining, lounges & retail stores makes this offering truly unique. This unparalleled single level loft boasts over 2700 SQ FT of indoor space and a rooftop deck to soak up the sun. Loft 21 features polished concrete floors, original exposed brick (circa 1910) and 9.5 foot ceilings throughout the entire home. Sleek updated kitchen is set for any gourmet chef. Massive 16 x 18 ft Master with 12 ft deep W/I closet. An abundant of light being on the west side of the home. A charming & inviting home that has the most modern upgrades while still maintaining its old world charm!! Two living spaces, gas fireplace, seperate laundry room and large pantry, lighting updates throughout. This truly & 1 of kind offering 2 tandem parking! More detailsListed by Oakwyn Realty Downtown Ltd.
- Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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708 27 ALEXANDER Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale in "THE ALEXIS" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2443024
708 27 ALEXANDER Street Vancouver V6A 1B2
$1,998,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2443024
- Bedrooms:
- 1
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,383 sq. ft.
One of a kind masterpiece in historic Gastown! Welcome to The Alexis, one of Gastown’s premier heritage conversion buildings. No expense has been spared in this 1 Bedroom 2 Bathroom luxury condo that was meticulously renovated to the utmost quality by internationally acclaimed interior designer, Patricia Grey. Features include - integrated lighting and remote controlled Lutron blinds, new windows, radiant in-floor heating, theatrical performing sound system, Miele appliances, built-in vacuum system, ample storage space, spa-like bathrooms w/ steam shower, and communal rooftop patio. As featured in one of home magazine’s leading publications - Architectural Digest, this striking suite offers an open style concept, perfect for entertaining plus jaw-dropping water, city, and mountain views. More detailsListed by Angell, Hasman & Associates Realty Ltd. - 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
301 7433 CAMBIE Street Vancouver V0V 0V0
$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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273 COLUMBIA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale in "KORET LOFTS" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2452725
273 COLUMBIA Street Vancouver V6A 2R5
$1,699,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2452725
- Bedrooms:
- 1
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,587 sq. ft.
LIVE/WORK at KORET LOFTS. This sensational 1,587 sqft street front property with 15'9" ceilings has been substantially renovated including commercial grade rubberized concrete flooring, 3 tilt-in heritage windows, two-zone integrated sound system w/ over 2km of wiring & 5 A/V network drop spots. Custom entertainers kitchen featuring large island, S/S appliances throughout including six-burner gas cooktop, side-by-side full refrigerator & freezer, 2 sinks, 2 dishwashers, 1 wine-chiller fridge, 2 mini fridges, double wall oven, & GE monogram extractor hood. Lofted upstairs includes a redesigned master bathroom w/ custom cabinetry, double vanity & floor-to-ceiling mirrored medicine cabinet. This unique & sought after property is a must see! Perfect for business operations or to call home! More detailsListed by Oakwyn Realty Ltd. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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3805 1111 ALBERNI Street in Vancouver: West End VW Condo for sale in "SHANGRILA" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2444370
3805 1111 ALBERNI Street Vancouver V6E 4V2
$1,698,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2444370
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,079 sq. ft.
Listed by Macdonald Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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310 36 WATER Street in Vancouver: Downtown VW Condo for sale in "Terminus" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2456567
310 36 WATER Street Vancouver V6B 0B7
$1,695,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2456567
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,607 sq. ft.
This sophisticated loft in Gastown is the ultimate in urban living with a great sense of home. Unique 2 bed, 2 baths featuring a foyer, sleek Ramplus sliding walls exposing a bathroom and a bdrm, & a raised living room with reclaimed heritage windows framed with an inviting, and verdant living wall. Kitchen features a streamlined look with Bosch and Liebherr appliances and an en famille eating area. Up to loft space with an office & master bdrm, a plethora of storage, & plenty of ambient light. Rare features for the artistic & bohemian include a gallery with double-height ceilings encompassed by a minimalist Bocci light fixture. Terminus, a conversion building, built by Salient, environmentally friendly geothermal heating, common rooftop balcony & 1 parking. More detailsListed by Sotheby's International Realty Canada - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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407 55 E CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale in "Koret Lofts" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2439738
407 55 E CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6A 0A5
$1,446,500Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2439738
- Bedrooms:
- 1
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,386 sq. ft.
KORET LOFTS - this property is a historical site that was converted into beautiful lofts in 2006. The exposed brick and beams will serve as the perfect backdrop for your new home and or an office. The KORET is zoned commercial and or residential and this Loft has new kitchen and renovations throughout. The open layout was designed such that there is a natural bedroom, faces North with views & 7 large windows offering lots of light. This property is steps away from restaurants and shops in Gastown, Chinatown and Downtown. The building has a building manager and the Strata is proactive and it shows. Enjoy DT & Gastown! Comes with parking. Open House Sunday, March 8, 2:00 - 3:30pm. Or call for appointment. More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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137 ALEXANDER Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Townhouse for sale in "ALEXANDER ROW" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2448122
137 ALEXANDER Street Vancouver V6A 1B8
$1,299,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2448122
- Bedrooms:
- 1
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,810 sq. ft.
One-of-a-kind townhouse, San Francisco style row homes, with a private garage at the sidewalk! That's right...live downtown & drive your car into your garage! This amazing townhouse offers incredible ocean & mountain views, private roof top deck, 2 balconies, a garage for your car & your toys, a basement that can be anything you want it to be...bedroom, media room, storage, wine cellar! This 5 level Railtown townhouse offers unobstructed views from almost every room. Lovely open concept kitchen/living/dining room, balcony off kitchen, gas fireplace. Upper loft has french doors leading to large balcony on one side, spiral staircase to roof deck on the other. Master suite on one level. N & S windows. Spend this summer lounging & entertaining on your private roof deck. An entertainers dream! More detailsListed by RE/MAX Crest Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2902 128 W CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VW Condo for sale in "Woodwards (W43)" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2445262
2902 128 W CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6B 0E6
$1,050,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2445262
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 917 sq. ft.
SPECTACULAR VIEWS! This well laid out 2 Bedroom & 2 Bathroom unit showcases unobstructed panoramic Burrard Inlet, North Shore Mountains & Downtown City views from every room. With a spacious living area, stainless steel appliances, an open floor plan, this home as it all. Live in a Vancouver landmark! The Woodwards building offers First-Class amenities and a vibrant city lifestyle. Luxurious 2-level indoor Clubhouse and Rooftop Lounge space with Fitness Centre, Hot Tub, Media Room, Office Area & 360 view. Trendy restaurants, shops, and the Skytrain are all just steps away. Internet, heat, hot water & gas are included in your maintenance fees. Pets & Rentals OK. One parking LCP. Please call today to arrange your private showing. More detailsListed by Oakwyn Realty Downtown Ltd. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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903 128 W CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VW Condo for sale in "WOODWARDS W43" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2450653
903 128 W CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6B 0E6
$998,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2450653
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,019 sq. ft.
Absolutely fabulous 2 bed/2 bath corner unit with great views of city, water and mountains! located in the heart of the vibrant Gastown, The Woodwards is just steps from the skytrain, SFU, and some of the best shops & restaurants Vancouver has to offer. Luxury laminate floors & floor to ceiling windows. Designer kitchen with high end S/S appliances & soft close cabinets. Amenities are one of the best in the city with breathtaking view: rooftop deck, outdoor "W" shaped hot tub, recreation room, gym, rock climbing wall & lounge space with 360 degree views. Strata fee includes high speed internet, heat, gas and hot water. Don't miss the chance to own this fabulous home! More detailsListed by Nu Stream Realty Inc. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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