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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273 COLUMBIA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale in "Koret Lofts" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2510516
273 COLUMBIA Street Vancouver V6A 2R5 
$1,548,800Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2510516
- Bedrooms:
- 1
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,587 sq. ft.
The Ultimate Live/Work space at KORET LOFTS in desirable Gastown. STUNNING 1,587 sqft unit completely built out to the owner's exacting standards to offer an incredible retail/gallery/loft living abode that must be seen to be appreciated. Highlights incl 15'9" ceilings, concrete flooring, 3 tilt-in heritage windows, integrated sound system w/ over 2km of wiring & 5 A/V network drop spots. Top-of-the-line chef's kitchen feat x-lrge large island, GE Monogram appliances, incl six-burner gas cooktop, side-by-side full refrigerator & freezer, wine fridge, dble wall oven, & professional hood fan. Residential loft up features 5-STAR HOTEL-LIKE living w inviting master bedroom & ensuite w/ custom cabinetry, double vanity & floor-to-ceiling mirrored medicine cabinet. 1 private parking space. More detailsListed by The Firm Real Estate Services Ltd.
- 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®# R2505500
137 ALEXANDER Street Vancouver V6A 1B8
$1,199,900Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2505500
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- 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 & 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 S side, spiral staircase to roof deck on the other. Large Master suite on one level. N & S windows. Spend summers lounging & entertaining on your private roof deck. An entertainers dream! View Video in Virtual Tour link. More detailsListed by RE/MAX Crest Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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3206 128 W CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VW Condo for sale in "WOODWARDS W43" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2529797
3206 128 W CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6B 0E6
$1,075,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2529797
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,149 sq. ft.
Panoramic City & Ocean Views from this 1149sf 2BR/2Bath corner condo perched high above the city @ Woodwards...one of Vancouver's most recognized landmark buildings & historic sites at the centre of Gastown. Terrific floorplan w/floor to ceiling windows framing sweeping views from every room, and a large covered corner balcony. Sleek modern interior design, exposed concrete ceiling, cool colours & oak flrs. Eggersman custom kitchen w/NEW stone counters, AEG & LG stainless appliances w/gas range. Luxurious spa-inspired baths. 24-hr concierge & famous jaw-dropping 2-level rooftop "Club W" w/expansive deck & hot tub, indoor/outdoor kitchen, lounge/media room & fully equipped gym...all with spectacular 360 degree views! Maint fees incl gas, heat, h/w & internet. 2 pets & rentals allowed. More detailsListed by RE/MAX Crest Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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PH4 108 W CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VW Condo for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2528628
PH4 108 W CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6B 0G5
$1,068,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2528628
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 905 sq. ft.
Opportunity to own a coveted Penthouse in the iconic Woodward's Buildings. Unobstructed views of the North Shore Mountains, Burrard Inlet, False Creek, Science World, Burnaby Mountain & everything in between. This unit features floor to ceiling windows providing an abundance of natural light, a spacious kitchen with S/S appliances & gas cooktop, ample living space with 2 separate bedrooms and spa-like bathrooms. Brand new W/D. One secured underground parking stall (not leased). Strata fee includes heat, hot water & high speed internet. 24 HR concierge, Club W amenities include indoor/outdoor lounge, fitness center, hot tub & media room. More detailsListed by Stilhavn Real Estate Services - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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203 55 E CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale in "KORETLOFTS" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2511925
203 55 E CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6A 0A5
$1,048,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2511925
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 1
- Floor Area:
- 1,202 sq. ft.
Welcome to this amazing, truly New York Style loft at the "Koret" building in the heart of Gast town. if you are looking for the perfect, stylish, unique and large loft, here it is. The open kitchen is a dream for entertaining and the dining area is big enough for your really large dining table. Walls of exposed brick, wooden beams and a beautiful historic ceiling make this outstanding loft a rare and unique find. Shower and bathroom are not only stylish, but also unique and practical. This is the perfect place to live large, for working from home, having friends over and with the possibility of having 2 bedrooms, for a young family. The loft comes with 1 parking and is on the quiet side of the building. More detailsListed by Macdonald Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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1806 128 W CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VW Condo for sale in "WOODWARDS" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2513505
1806 128 W CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6B 0E6
$999,999Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2513505
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,143 sq. ft.
Welcome to the iconic Woodwards building by West Bank. Enjoy incredible 270 degree views of water, North Shore mountains and city views.This spacious suite has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with high ceilings and one of the most desirable floor plans of the building. This unit presents high ceilings and a very open floor plan with top of the line appliances and a large breakfast bar perfect for early mornings. This building offers top class amenities and the amazing city lifestyle including 2 level Clubhouse and Rooftop lounge space with Fitness centre, Hot tub, Media. Only steps away from the city's best dining recreational and shopping experiences as well as the skytrain. More detailsListed by Behroyan & Associates Real Estate Services - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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306 27 ALEXANDER Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2527817
306 27 ALEXANDER Street Vancouver V6A 1B2
$988,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2527817
- Bedrooms:
- 1
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 972 sq. ft.
Introducing this well appointed 1 bedroom and 2 FULL bathrooms plus den loft-style unit at the “Alexis” 27 Alexander Street. Boasting soaring 18.5 foot ceilings, this 972 SF home combines heritage and contemporary elements. Exposed brick wall, polished concrete floors, stainless steel countertops, stainless steel appliances with gas range, and large chandelier make this loft truly unique in Vancouver in all the best ways. The main level includes a large den, 3-piece bathroom, and entertaining area. The second level includes the master bedroom and separate 4-piece ensuited bathroom. This unit also includes 1 parking stall. Situated in the most central location of Gastown close to restaurants, lounges, and entertainment. More detailsListed by Angell, Hasman & Associates Realty Ltd. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2402 128 W CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VW Condo for sale in "WOODWARDS" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2516450
2402 128 W CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6B 0E6
$968,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2516450
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 918 sq. ft.
UNOBSTRUCTED PANORAMIC WATER, MOUNTAIN AND CITY VIEWS at iconic Woodwards by Westbank! You can enjoy these SPECTACULAR VIEWS all the way from the living room, kitchen to the bedrooms. This 2 bedroom and 2 bathroom comes with NEW flooring and offers a very efficient floorplan with no wasted space and lots of storage space. SPACIOUS contemporary home complete with stunning floor-to-ceiling windows. Located in the heart of vibrant GASTOWN with full-time concierge. Club W amenities offer rooftop deck with a hot tub, gym, and study/social room. Skytrain, grocery shopping, London Drugs, a restaurant are all just steps away. Internet, heat, hot water & gas are included in your maintenance fees. Call for your appointment today! More detailsListed by RE/MAX Crest Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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B 16 E CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale in "VAN HORNE" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2524034
B 16 E CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6A 1K2
$949,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2524034
- Bedrooms:
- 1
- Bathrooms:
- 1
- Floor Area:
- 1,068 sq. ft.
Amazing urban oasis set above lively and historic Gastown. Enter a private gated courtyard and discover this one-of-a-kind Penthouse loft featuring 10' ceilings with an unbelievable over 900 sqft private rooftop deck. There are an astonishing 15 massive windows on 3 sides overlooking some of Vancouver's most important historical architecture. Bonus: Huge walk around height attic space that can be used as an amazing storage space. Gas F/P incl. in maintenance fees. Fantastic opportunity to get into the neighbourhood before Blood Alley's revitalization is complete. Ask me about combining this unit with the neighbouring suite to create a truly incomparable space. Pets/Rentals allowed. 1 secure underground parking included but its walkable to the skytrain, cinema, & trendy shops/restaurants! More detailsListed by Four Sails Realty Inc. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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1706 128 W CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VW Condo for sale in "WOODWARDS" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2526407
1706 128 W CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6B 0E6
$925,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2526407
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,146 sq. ft.
Best price in Gastown! Welcome home to this meticulously kept, bright 2/bed/2bath! Nearly 1,150 sq ft of living space & 71 sq ft balcony. Southeast corner provides endless 180' degrees of city & water views. Open concept kitchen w/SS appliances, strata fee incl. heat, hot water, internet, gas, concierge & amenities! 1 parking(NOT LEASED) 4,000 SF Rooftop amenities “Club W” with breathtaking views & a well-equipped fitness centre, games room, large lounge and expansive outdoor rooftop area with BBQ’s & infamous W hot tub. 24-hour security and full-time concierge. Steps to everything Gastown & downtown Vancouver has to offer: the best restaurants/bars, shopping & top coffee shops. A close walk to Waterfront Station for SeaBus, Skytrain, Canada Line to YVR, Westcoast Express &Helijet. More detailsListed by Oakwyn Realty Ltd. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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