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 "HISTORICAL Pilkington House" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2249695
$2,990,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2249695
- Bedrooms:
- 3
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 2,814 sq. ft.
NEW YORK STYLE ONE LEVEL Brick Flat. This incredibility rare boutique loft is centrally located in the hip and happening Gastown. Pilkington House is a restored heritage building built in 1910. Suite# 21 features polished concrete floors, original exposed brick, 3 massive bedrooms and 11'6 walk in closet! There is nothing that comes close to this masterpiece. Walk down to Crab Park, Railtown to enjoy local vendors or eat & drink in Gastown central. Enjoy this magnificent space loft for complete privacy and only plus 2 per floor and a two parking tandem. This New York style loft home has an amazing roof top deck and is steps away from Gastown's most popular restaurants! OPEN HOUSE 2-4pm SAT & SUN APRIL 21/22 More detailsOakwyn Realty Downtown Ltd.
- Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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139 ALEXANDER Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Townhouse for sale in "Alexander Row" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2245307
$2,468,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2245307
- Bedrooms:
- 1
- Bathrooms:
- 3
- Floor Area:
- 2,469 sq. ft.
A BOLD, EXTRAORDINARY STATEMENT IN CONTEMPORARY URBAN DESIGN. City, mountain, water & park views from this stunning, multi-level, Paul Merrick designed city home. Unique in its location, design & layout, ideal for someone working at home. Extensively upgraded and perfectly presented, this is not an ordinary townhome and must be seen in person to be appreciated. Features include open concept living (option to convert to 3+ beds), hardwood, in-floor radiant heat, window walls on North & South sides, spacious master with ensuite, soundproof below-grade media room/studio, private garage with direct suite access and a wonderful PRIVATE ROOFTOP DECK in addition to 3 balconies. Acoustics & sense of quiet will amaze. Premium Gastown location on this quiet historic street. See it, love it, live it! More detailsRoyal LePage Sussex - 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®# R2258388
$1,895,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2258388
- Bedrooms:
- 1
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,378 sq. ft.
Stunning Gastown loft at The Alexis with huge mountain and water views. Designed by renowned architect Patricia Grey, this award winning loft was featured in Western Living, Architectural Digest, and others. Luxurious modern 1 bedroom w/ approx 1400 sq ft , features top of the line kitchen, custom finishes and equipment throughout. Built to create a seamless space with sliding glass walls and built-ins, custom lighting and sound. Live in luxury with 2 beautiful spa like bathrooms. Take in the views while sitting in this one of a kind open living space, or check them out from the large rooftop decks. Downtown living at its best. 2 secure side by side parking spots, pets & rentals allowed. OPEN HOUSE SUN APRIL 22 from 2-4PM More detailsZolo Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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610 53 W HASTINGS Street in Vancouver: Downtown VW Condo for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2260748
$1,198,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2260748
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,074 sq. ft.
PARIS ANNEX! An amazing opportunity to live the true Gastown lifestyle in this edgy 3 story loft! 2 bed, 2 bath + DEN. South facing, PENTHOUSE LOFT built in 2012 by Salient Group with soaring 16 foot ceilings. 2 outdoor spaces totalling over 500 sqft are perfect for entertaining, with a balcony on the main level fit with a BBQ and PRIVATE ROOFTOP DECK to enjoy the stunning City & Northshore Mountain VIEWS! The expansive floor plan of 1,074 sq. ft creates an open and bright space with sleek polished concrete floors, stone countertops & a newly fitted custom island. 1 parking + separate storage locker. Pets & Rentals allowed. Open House Sat Apr 28th/Sun Apr 29th 2-4. SNEAK PREVIEW APR 26 6-8PM! This unique loft is a must see! More detailsAngell Hasman & Assoc.Rlty.Ltd - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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3001 438 SEYMOUR Street in Vancouver: Downtown VW Condo for sale in "CONFERENCE PLAZA" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2258336
$1,150,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2258336
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 851 sq. ft.
Welcome to this SUB PENTHOUSE at CONFERENCE PLAZA in downtown Vancouver! Enjoy high ceilings in this bright open concept 2 bedroom, 2 bath plus den home, with a large 314 ft balcony! Kitchen includes stainless steel appliances, beautiful cabinetry & quartz countertops. Featuring laminate hardwood floors, floor to ceiling windows, in-suite laundry, new fixtures, and floating vanities for the spa-inspired bathrooms. Enjoy beautiful Vancouver city & water views. Amenities include 24 hour concierge, an indoor pool, hot tub and sauna room, a full exercise room. Centrally located, steps to public transit/skytrain, waterfront, Granville Strip and Pacific Shopping Centre. Hurry this won’t last! More detailsSutton Group-West Coast Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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205 28 POWELL Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale in "POWELL LANE" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2256891
$899,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2256891
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 1
- Floor Area:
- 1,030 sq. ft.
Gastown Living at it's finest! Come and check out over 1,000 square feet of fully renovated open-concept beauty. Tons of space to enjoy! All brand new stainless steel appliances, washer & dryer and everything else:) . Centrally located, just steps to all of your favourite restaurants, shops and night spots! The building also boasts a rooftop deck with city, mountain and water view! Easy to show... First Open House on Sunday April 22 from 2-4...Offers on Tuesday! More detailsRE/MAX Select Properties - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2808 438 SEYMOUR Street in Vancouver: Downtown VW Condo for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2253838
$839,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2253838
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 721 sq. ft.
Beautiful city view with Peekaboo ocean view as well. Located at the heart of Vancouver Downtown, fully upgraded and renovated spacious 2 bedrooms 2 full bath plus big solarium suite unit (solarium can be used as 3rd bedroom). Walking distance to Waterfront Station, Harbour Centre, SFU Campus, restaurants, Holt Renfrew and much more. Building has 24 hours concierge, swimming pool, sauna room, gym. Perfect place for investment. Currently tenanted. Tenant are very nice and willing to stay. More detailsRE/MAX Crest Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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302 128 W CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VW Condo for sale in "WOODWARDS W3" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2244331
$799,900Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2244331
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 916 sq. ft.
Soaring 43 Floors above Historic GASTOWN is WOODWARDS W43 - An Iconic Landmark masterfully designed for aesthetics & function. Spacious 2 BED, 2 BATH, 916 Sqft Suite features an open concept floorplan, floor to ceiling windows & sleek contemporary finishings in the kitchen & baths. BONUS: 1 Parking in the building. Best part is the resort style amenities - 24 Hour Concierge & use of Club W on the 42nd floor boasting breathtaking 360 degree views of the Waterfront & snow capped mountains from the rooftop terrace, common BBQ area, lounge, fully equipped fitness centre w/rock climbing wall & the famous outdoor "W" hot tub. Incredible location minutes to top-rated restaurants, boutique shops, nightlife & WATERFRONT SKYTRAIN. Pet friendly & Rentals permitted. Open House Sat April 28, 1-2:30PM. More detailsStonehaus Realty Corp. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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4005 128 W CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VW Condo for sale in "WOODWARDS W43" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2256914
$799,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2256914
- Bedrooms:
- 1
- Bathrooms:
- 1
- Floor Area:
- 647 sq. ft.
This beautiful 1 bedroom condo is located on the 40th floor of the historic WOODWARDS building. With stunning panoramic views of the north shore, east, and south Vancouver, this sub penthouse suite will not disappoint. It's uniquely square shaped layout (only 2 on the floor) allow for optimal usage of all the square footage with seamless transitions between kitchen and living room areas. The Spacious bedroom layout offers unbelievable views right from the comfort of your own bed. Amenities on the rooftop are debatably the best in the city; fitness centre, hot tub, outdoor BBQ, indoor lounge, billiards, all with 360 degree views of the city. Rentals and pets permitted. Suite includes 1 parking stall in the building. More detailsRoyal LePage Sussex - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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1008 438 SEYMOUR Street in Vancouver: Downtown VW Condo for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2256034
$789,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2256034
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 721 sq. ft.
Beautiful city view with Peekaboo ocean view as well. Located at the heart of Vancouver Downtown, fully upgraded and renovated spacious 2 bedrooms 2 full bath plus big solarium suite unit (solarium can be used as 3rd bedroom). Walking distance to Waterfront Station, Harbour Centre, SFU Campus, restaurants, Holt Renfrew and much more. Building has 24 hours concierge, swimming pool, sauna room, gym. Perfect place for investment. Currently tenanted. Tenant are very nice and willing to stay. More detailsRE/MAX Crest Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
