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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67 E CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale in "Koret Lofts" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2834699
67 E CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6A 1K3 
$1,049,500Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2834699
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 989 sq. ft.
In Gastown, this ground level 989 sf Cordova St facing retail live / work unit is located in Koret Lofts, a historical brick & beam warehouse conversion originally constructed in 1906. The entire building has been completely rehabilitated & modernized in 2006. The space showcases turn of the century architectural & structural design with exposed fir beams, stone & a concrete wall. The area comprises 705 sf of ground level space with a retail storefront beneath 18’ ceilings, a rear kitchen & an additional 284 sf of upper mezzanine area with a 3 piece bathroom, plus laundry. 1 underground assigned parking stall included. An exciting investment with the area seeing improvement through redevelopment of Westbank’s Blood Alley project & future proposed Cohen Block by Bosa 1 block W on Cordova St More detailsListed by RE/MAX Commercial Advantage
- Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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406 345 WATER Street in Vancouver: Downtown VW Condo for sale in "GREENSHIELDS BLDG" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2826327
406 345 WATER Street Vancouver V6B 1B8
$999,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2826327
- Bedrooms:
- 1
- Bathrooms:
- 1
- Floor Area:
- 968 sq. ft.
Incredible views of Burrard Inlet, Pan Pacific Hotel & NS mtns. Own a part of Vancouver history: Greenshields Bldg - orig built back in 1901 for Greenshields & CO, a wholesale drygoods merchant. Refurbished in 2004 the outside brick facades, wood casement windows & carved sandstone capitols, all preserved from the last decade. Located in the best part of historic Gastown, near the Steam Clock & Sea bus terminal. The spacious suite feature orig maple H/W floors, exposed red brick & concrete beam, 8'9" & 11' ceils heights & frosted glass partition walls. The spacious kitchen was resently renovated with sleek cabinets, granite stone counters, undemount sink, s/s appliances and modern fixtures. A pleasure to show More detailsListed by RE/MAX Crest Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2209 108 W CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VW Condo for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2821454
2209 108 W CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6B 0G5
$999,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2821454
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 992 sq. ft.
Experience the epitome of urban living in this exceptional corner unit in the iconic Woodwards building. Step into this 2bed 2bath residence & prepare to be captivated by breathtaking panoramic vistas encompassing mountains, water, and vibrant cityscape. The interior boasts hardwood floors, polished concrete ceilings, and a cutting-edge kitchen design to elevate your daily living. Amenities include access to ClubW, a penthouse sanctuary with a fully-equipped gym, lounge area, hot tub, and more to enhance your lifestyle. Expect round-the-clock security surveillance and secure parking, ensuring peace of mind and convenience. Pet-friendly and an ideal location for groceries, shopping, entertainment and transportation.**Open House Sunday, Dec. 3, 2-4pm*** More detailsListed by Rennie & Associates Realty Ltd. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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706 128 W CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VW Condo for sale in "WOODWARDS" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2823614
706 128 W CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6B 0E8
$998,800Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2823614
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,158 sq. ft.
AIRBNB ALLOWED BUILDING!! Beautifully renovated corner unit in pristine condition, in the Westbank Built tower for under $850/sf. Includes 2 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms and a bright southerly patio. Open concept living, spacious living room, generous dining room, and the gourmet kitchen are perfect for entertaining. Updates include a new gas stove, new countertops, upgraded washer/dryer drainage, new kitchen and living room lighting, custom closet and stylish statement wall paper. The Woodwards offers exceptional amenities with the famous roof top hot tub, roof top patio, BBQ and party room, well equipped gym and 24 hour concierge. 1 secured parking included. Open House Nov 25th, Sat 2-4pm More detailsListed by RE/MAX Masters Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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315 55 E CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2822689
315 55 E CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6A 1K3
$885,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2822689
- Bedrooms:
- 1
- Bathrooms:
- 1
- Floor Area:
- 933 sq. ft.
Welcome to this exquisite New York-style loft in Vancouver's vibrant Gastown. This heritage warehouse conversion embodies open concept living with original 10' high ceilings, exposed wood beams, raw brickwork, and visible piping. Big windows fill the space with natural light. Updates include a new kitchen with a gas stove and ample storage. The bathroom features a Zen toilet, mosaic tiled shower hall, and a luxurious exposed bathtub. Koret lofts are zoned for both commercial and residential use, offering endless possibilities as a living space, creative studio, or inspiring office. It's also a great investment property due to its unique character, proximity to Vancouver attractions, and potential as an unforgettable Airbnb stay. A must see at Gastown! More detailsListed by Panda Luxury Homes - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
