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:
- 2,814 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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211 55 E CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale in "KORET LOFTS" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2380798
$1,398,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2380798
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,434 sq. ft.
THIS IS IT. A NYC inspired loft that has it ALL. STYLE, SPACE & FUNCTION. Soaring 10'4 ceilings with huge timber beams/brick feature walls, a corner unit surrounded by 7' windows flooding in natural light/air and a nearly perfect 2 BR layout with huge office (could use as 3rd bedroom). Lovingly renovated over the years, design and sophistication are evident at every angle. AEG kitchen, wood grain cabinets & beautiful dining area look over the expansive living room. The master suite is stunning, including a walk in closet, free standing claw-foot tub/shower and fireplace. Right in the heart of Gastown, live/work zoning steps from shopping/restaurants. Best private parking spot in the building too... More detailsListed by Dexter Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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403 55 E CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale in "KORET LOFTS" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2400319
$1,239,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2400319
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 1
- Floor Area:
- 1,185 sq. ft.
Spacious north facing 1185 sqft, 2 bdrm unit at Koret Lofts, higher ceilings and exposed wooden beams throughout with polished concrete floors, beautiful custom kitchen & lighting from Inform, with extra built in storage units to match, approx. $80,000. Frameless glass shower with custom tub, in suite laundry and in suite storage. Mountain views as well. Live/work space. Located in Gastown and close to all the shops and restaurants, boutiques and transit. Shows very well. More detailsListed by TRG-The Residential Group Rlty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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PH1001 150 E CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale in "Ingastown" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2384874
$1,225,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2384874
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 841 sq. ft.
A TRUE GASTOWN GEM. The rarest of opportunities to own a penthouse with panoramic views of the North Shore mountains, Burrard Inlet and amazing downtown cityscape. Complete with your very own private 688SF ROOFTOP DECK with an 8 person HOT TUB. Words simply cannot do this home justice. You'll immediately be impressed by this AIR-CONDITIONED residence with gorgeous polished concrete floors, top of the line kitchen appliances, lovely master suite with custom shower and heated flooring, garage space for 2 vehicles and 2 storage lockers. Another one of the many beautiful features this home offers is the floating illuminated, architectural concrete staircase leading to your PRIVATE ROOFTOP Oasis. Live in the heart of Gastown, with the city's best restaurants, bars and shopping at your doorstep. This home is a absolute MUST SEE! *No Opens this weekend More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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801 33 W PENDER Street in Vancouver: Downtown VW Condo for sale in "33 Living" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2373850
$999,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2373850
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,054 sq. ft.
33 Living. Right in the heart of Downtown and just steps to all Gastown and Chinatown have to offer. This beautiful 1054 sf 2 bed/2 bath and flex corner unit is arguably the best layout in the building. Open concept with floor to ceiling windows looking out to a huge 425 sf wrap around patio perfect for entertaining and enjoying some stunning city, water and mountain views. The kitchen boasts high end appliances w/gas cooktop, granite counter tops, walnut cabinets with matching custom millwork throughout the unit. Large master with ensuite has a separate soaker tub with glass shower and heated floors. Flex room is a bonus for storage or a home office. Short/long tern rentals and pets allowed! Excellent revenue potential here! More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty and Sutton Group-West Coast Realty (Surrey/120) - 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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402 55 E CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale in "KORET LOFTS" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2404051
$928,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2404051
- Bedrooms:
- 1
- Bathrooms:
- 1
- Floor Area:
- 876 sq. ft.
Koret Lofts, Fabulous 876 sqft. with ceiling height 10'6"!! Fully renovated North facing heritage loft. Includes SONOS surround sound system. Great views of the North Shore Mountains. Commercial Live/Work zoning, huge garden courtyard area with BBQ and lounge area. Pets allowed 2 dogs or cats or 1 of each no exotics. Rentals allowed, minimum of 1 year unfurnished and 7 days furnished. Well run building with full time manager/caretaker. Bonus 1 parking stall included, best location. Great central Gastown location close to the downtown business district, shopping, entertainment and restaurants. Very low maintenance fees $286.40/month. More detailsListed by Sutton Group - 1st West Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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906 128 W CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VW Condo for sale in "W43" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2396136
$925,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2396136
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,143 sq. ft.
At 1143 sq ft, this 2-bed/2-bath + flex space corner unit in Woodwards is generously spacious. Enjoy living in the heart of downtown, close to restaurants, shopping, entertainment, and transit. This open-concept modern space offers engineered hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, floor-to-ceiling windows, and all the fabulous amenities of Club W (free WiFi in the gym and other areas). Includes 1 parking spot. The maintenance fee also includes WiFi and heat for the home. More detailsListed by Oakwyn Realty Ltd. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2508 438 SEYMOUR Street in Vancouver: Downtown VW Condo for sale in "Conference Plaza" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2381032
$799,800Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2381032
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 710 sq. ft.
Excellent opportunity to own this beautiful and bright SE unit in famous "CONFERENCE PLAZA", two bedrooms with two full bathrooms, functional floor plan in Excellent condition. Great building with 24 hrs concierge service, 3 elevators, indoor swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, gym, outdoor patio & much more. Excellent location in the heart of downtown Vancouver, close to everything. Don't miss your chance to own this fantastic unit! Great investment! Rental allowed. Must see & won't last long. More detailsListed by Nu Stream Realty Inc. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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