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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4110 128 W CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VW Condo for sale in "WOODWARDS" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2735176
4110 128 W CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6B 0E6 
$1,628,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2735176
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,158 sq. ft.
Penthouses ( 4110 and 4101 both listed) at award winning Iconic Woodward's building. An architectural landmark offering the best in metropolitan lifestyle. Best in the city View of Vancouver Harbor, North Shore mountains, Lions Gate Bridge, , wrap around 270 degrees corner units that bring the light throughout. Those corner Penthouses are side by side and if assembled ( subject to strata, city approval) could become over 2 , 000 sq.ft. Home in "the Sky" . Absolutely spectacular living space would have 4 parkings and 4 lockers. Great investment for a person with a vision of designing a dream place to reside or for family of friends to live side by side. Balcony size 14'0x 9'11 More detailsListed by TRG The Residential Group Realty
- Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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4101 128 W CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VW Condo for sale in "WOODWARDS" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2735179
4101 128 W CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6B 0E6
$1,260,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2735179
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 885 sq. ft.
Penthouses ( 4101 and 4110 both listed) at award winning Iconic Woodward's building. An architectural landmark offering the best in metropolitan lifestyle. Best in the city View of Vancouver Harbor, North Shore mountains, Lions Gate Bridge, , wrap around 270 degrees corner units that bring the light throughout. Those corner Penthouses are side by side and if assembled ( subject to strata, city approval) could become over 2,000 sq.ft . Home in "the Sky" Absolutely spectacular living space would have 4 parkings and 4 lockers. Great investment for a person with a vision of designing a dream place to reside or for family of friends to live side by side. Balcony size 6'9x 4'0 More detailsListed by TRG The Residential Group Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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801 27 ALEXANDER Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale in "THE ALEXANDER" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2721653
801 27 ALEXANDER Street Vancouver V6A 1B2
$1,150,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2721653
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 1
- Floor Area:
- 894 sq. ft.
EXTREMELY RARE Penthouse with PRIVATE 348sq.ft. ROOF TOP Deck. North facing unobstructed water/Mountain/North Van views. A true Gastown gem at the heritage Alexander building. Exposed brick walls & polished concrete floors throughout. Updated Kitchen with all SS appliances. Multiple skylights giving amazing natural light and access through one to the rooftop. Situated in the heart of Gastown close to restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. Well maintained building w/common rooftop patio. Short Term Rentals and Pets OK (1). Showings only Saturdays 3-4pm by appointment. More detailsListed by Dexter Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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314 55 E CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale in "KORET LOFTS" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2732723
314 55 E CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6A 0A5
$1,099,900Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2732723
- Bedrooms:
- 1
- Bathrooms:
- 1
- Floor Area:
- 1,170 sq. ft.
One-of-a-kind customized character loft at “Koret Lofts,” one of Vancouver’s most desirable warehouse conversions. Featuring original timber beams, exposed bricks w/endless character in this unique unit, 10’4” ceilings, polished concrete floors & fully upgraded. High-quality Black kitchen w/ gas cooktop, Smeg fridge, gorgeous textured counters, unique restoration style bookshelf/library w/sliding ladder, sleek built-ins, & large washroom encased in original brick which was originally a vault. Countless fine details: dramatic old-world inspired lighting, h/w on demand system, great storage & closet spaces, auto blinds, fitted a/c unit, “fire-escape” balcony for BBQ & plants. Building zoned commerical live/work. Strata allows pets & shorter term furnished rentals, great revenue property. More detailsListed by RE/MAX Crest Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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1803 128 W CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VW Condo for sale in "WOODWARDS" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2730697
1803 128 W CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6B 0E6
$1,099,880Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2730697
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,057 sq. ft.
1,057 sq. ft. corner unit in the Iconic Woodwards, best 2 bedroom 2 bathroom floor plan in the building! Spacious living area with floor to ceiling windows gives you an even larger sense of space. Amazing panoramic city, ocean and mountain views from every room; the most signature view in Vancouver. Bright northeast exposure, primary bedroom includes 4 pc ensuite with walk in shower and soaker tub, second separate bedroom, 3 pc bath, den/storage space, balcony & large parking stall. Top amenities at Club 43; rooftop fitness centre, jacuzzi, patio, lounge & concierge. Prime Historic Gastown location close to shopping, restaurants & transit. Well maintained and ready to move in now! OPEN Sat Dec 10th from 1-3pm. More detailsListed by eXp Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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3002 128 W CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VW Condo for sale in "WOODWARDS W43" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2733785
3002 128 W CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6B 0E6
$1,099,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2733785
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 986 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. 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 Century 21 In Town Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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214 55 E CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale in "KORET LOFTS" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2725968
214 55 E CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6A 0A5
$1,049,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2725968
- Bedrooms:
- 1
- Bathrooms:
- 1
- Floor Area:
- 1,136 sq. ft.
Built in 1908 and originally named "McLellan and McFeely"Building.The Epitome of Manhattan living. This unit housed the VAULT in the old building offices and as such offers privacy to the Bathroom area not seen in other units. Beautiful heritage conversion loft with polished concrete floors, exposed brick walls, restored double sash windows,ll'high ceilings and stunning fir wood beams. Functional kitchen with stainless steel counters. Suite has 1 underground parking, and building has large courtyard patio area with 2 BBQ's. Live/work zoning allows for many uses.2 pets allows, rental restriction min of 7 days for furnished, 1 year for non-furnished. Live/work zoning.ALSO AVAILABLE NEXT DOOR #215 SO COMBINE 2 SUITS!WHAT AN AMAZING PROJECT THAT WOULD BE!(approx 2000 sq ft combined). More detailsListed by Royal LePage Sussex - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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607 53 W HASTINGS Street in Vancouver: Downtown VW Condo for sale in "PARIS BLOCK" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2742044
607 53 W HASTINGS Street Vancouver V6B 1G4
$1,048,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2742044
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 995 sq. ft.
The PARIS BLOCK, a boutique heritage conversion built by award winning Salient Group, is a collection of 50 sleek, modern, lofts in the heart of Gastown. Unit 607, the premier, designer PENTHOUSE home offers the ultimate in urban living in glass, steel, & concrete: 2 beds & flex, 2 baths, soaring 17' ceilings, polished concrete floors, floor to ceiling windows, & 1,507 sqft of indoor/ outdoor living, including a massive roof top deck w/ outdoor kitchen, all on the QUIET SIDE of the building, w/ views of City, Water, & Mountains. Luxury is on display throughout this stellar home w/ Euro appliances, stone counters, & spa like baths. W/ secured parking, storage, bike rooms, & a central location close to transit, cafes, shops, & restaurants. Den can easily be converted back to second bedroom. More detailsListed by Oakwyn Realty Ltd. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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PH610 53 W HASTINGS Street in Vancouver: Downtown VW Condo for sale in "PARIS ANNEX" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2728700
PH610 53 W HASTINGS Street Vancouver V6B 1G4
$998,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2728700
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,589 sq. ft.
PENTHOUSE LOFT built in 2012 by Salient Group with 16 foot ceilings, features polished concrete floors, Italian cabinetry, composite stone countertops. The expansive floor plan of 1,074 sq ft creates an open and bright space with a loft master bedroom plus in-suite bath, full bath on main floor and 2nd bedroom/ flex space plus den! outdoor spaces totaling over 500 sqft are perfect for entertaining. space. 1 parking underground + separate storage locker. Pets & Rentals allowed. More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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215 55 E CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale in "KORET LOFTS" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2726025
215 55 E CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6A 0A5
$995,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2726025
- Bedrooms:
- 1
- Bathrooms:
- 1
- Floor Area:
- 928 sq. ft.
Work Loft space in Historic Gastown.cFeely"Built in 1908 and originally named "McLellan and McFeely" b uilding.The Epitome of Manhattan living.This suite features 11' high ceilings, polished concrete flrs. European modular industrial style stainless steel kitchen with AEG oven, gas cooktop, Bosch d/w & LG fridge, walk-through shower. Duravit tub and Porcher sink. A glass partition wall has been added to provide privacy for your large bedroom. other upgrades include a walk-in closet.Immediate possession is 2 pets allowed, rental restriction 7 days min furnished or 1 yr non-furnished. ALSO AVAILABLE FOR SALE IS NEXT DOOR #214 SO COMBINE THE 2 SUITS! WHAT AN AMAZING PROJECT THAT WOULD BE.(APPROX 2000 SQ FT) More detailsListed by Royal LePage Sussex - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
