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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706 128 W CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VW Condo for sale in "WOODWARDS" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2860889
706 128 W CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6B 0E8 
$988,800Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2860889
- 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 March 30, Sat 3-5PM More detailsListed by RE/MAX Masters Realty
- Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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206 55 ALEXANDER Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2860859
206 55 ALEXANDER Street Vancouver V6A 1B2
$979,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2860859
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 923 sq. ft.
Experience the epitome of urban living in this exquisite 2BR, 2BA condo nestled in the heart of Gastown, Vancouver. Boasting unparalleled city, mountain, and water views, this gem invites you into a world of sophistication and comfort. The open-concept living room and chefs kitchen w/ 6 range gas burner offer the perfect setting for entertaining or simply enjoying a quiet evening by the cozy fireplace. Both bedrooms are spacious, ensuring personal retreats for rest and rejuvenation. Situated within walking distance of Gastown's vibrant lifestyle, you're never far from boutique shops, gourmet eateries, and lively entertainment options. This condo is a rare find, offering the best of modern living in a location that's second to none. Don't miss your chance to call this remarkable space home! Set up your private viewing today. More detailsListed by Oakwyn Realty Ltd. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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1406 128 W CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VW Condo for sale in "WOODWARDS" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2846463
1406 128 W CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6B 0E6
$950,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2846463
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,175 sq. ft.
This spacious and modern SE corner unit in the historic WOODWARD's building offers a comfortable and luxurious living experience. With 2 bedrooms (+flex) & 2 bathrooms there is plenty of room for relaxation and productivity. Floor to ceiling windows allow for natural light, the stainless steel appliances add a sleek and contemporary touch. Plenty of in-suite storage. The rooftop amenities, Club W is a highlight, featuring panoramic views, an indoor/outdoor lounging area, library / media room, exercise center & the hot tub in the shape of a W adds a unique touch to the building. 24-hour concierge, 1 parking & pets / rentals are welcome. Situated in a prime location with easy access to art galleries, boutique shops, and gourmet restaurants, promising a dynamic and exhilarating lifestyle. More detailsListed by Engel & Volkers Vancouver - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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303 128 WEST CORDOVA in Vancouver: Downtown VW Condo for sale in "WOODWARD" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2852146
303 128 WEST CORDOVA Vancouver V6B 0E6
$944,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2852146
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,036 sq. ft.
make an offer to own a downtown home with over 1000 sqft at less than $910/sqft. Seller is motivated. Accept all reasonable offers. More detailsListed by Magsen Realty Inc. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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504 36 WATER Street in Vancouver: Downtown VW Condo for sale in "Terminus" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2864196
504 36 WATER Street Vancouver V6B 0B7
$928,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2864196
- Bedrooms:
- 1
- Bathrooms:
- 1
- Floor Area:
- 864 sq. ft.
The coveted Terminus building at Gastown!!! This award winning heritage conversion built by Salient Group & designed by Ostry Architects is located in the heart of Gastown & is within walking distance to some of Vancouver's best shops & restaurants!!! Facing southwest, this large 1 bed & 1 bath unit has 9'6" ceilings, lots of natural light, bamboo flooring, Geothermal heating & cooling, custom built-in cabinets in living area, newer blinds, built-in speakers throughout, a built-in pantry, built-in closets for lots of storage space & a newer washer. The kitchen is fully integrated with a built-in fridge & dishwasher, oven & electric cooktop. There is a recreation room & a rooftop patio with kitchen, TV area, BBQ & outdoor seating with beautiful city views. Steps to Seabus & Skytrain!!! More detailsListed by Oakwyn Realty Ltd. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
