Growing Pains in Railtown
The Nascent Neighbourhood
The Vancouver Observer, an online independent newspaper, in an October 2013 article describes Railtown as “A taste of Brooklyn in Vancouver” and as “Vancouver’s final frontier.” The article defines this small area as within Alexander Street on the south and the railyards on the Burrard Inlet waterfront on the north between Columbia Street and Heatley Avenue. A May 2014 Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) online article defines the area as somewhat larger extending from the waterfront as far south as Hastings Street between Main Street and Hawkes Avenue, a slight shift eastward, but both articles include a core area from Alexander Street north between Main Street and Heatley Avenue, and both express concern over gentrification.
The Gentrification Controversy
In a sidebar, “A brief history of gentrification in Vancouver,” The Observer defines gentrification as “people being pushed out of their neighbourhood by people with more money,” noting that the gentrification boom follows a long period of deterioration in which property values fell to very low levels. During this period, nobody paid property taxes, the city seized land for delinquent taxes, then sold it for bottom-level prices to buyers eager to profit from the 1966 Strata Titles Act, which for the first time made mere apartments real estate. Before that law there were no condos, just single-owner or cooperative properties. Condominium construction and conversion accelerated gentrification of neighbourhoods and displacement of their residents unable to buy into the change.
The Observer concludes that the city should explore “more creative modes” of property ownership by cooperative, shared ownership of whole buildings, cohousing, and laneway housing, small structures typically built in the rear of pre-existing. The CBC laments the facts that rapid growth in Railtown may be good news for business but that 13,000 Downtown East Side low-income residents living on pensions or welfare benefits face the threat of eviction.
New Attractions
Once a rough industrial district of dives and brothels, Railtown today is home to the avant-garde Railtown Design District, six affiliated businesses aiming to make the neighborhood a centre of architectural advancement. In addition to the Design District, Railtown has seen several new businesses and cafes arrive as old warehouse and factory buildings convert to new uses. The Vancouver Urban Winery has an historic building in which it manufactures, packages, imports, and distributes wine for multiple brands and hold functions and parties around wine themes. So popular has this new venture proven to be with patrons that it started in 2012 with two employees and now has thirty.
Information Links:
http://strathconabia.com/
http://vancouver.ca/home-property-development/dtes-local-area-plan.aspx
Downtown Eastside Development Plan
Railtown, Gastown, and the rest of the Downtown Eastside may see major changes from the city council approval in March 2014 after two days of public hearings of a plan to guide future development. The mayor says the plan reflects “aspirations for safer and more stable 
housing, protections for low-income residents, stronger support for mental health and addictions, and a more vibrant local economy.”
The plan is ambitious in its aims to accommodate developers who have driven up land values by purchasing, redeveloping, or speculating on neighbourhood properties and to protect low-income residents increasingly struggling to afford rent and food as neighbourhood costs increase. Plan critics say provisions for new or replacement “social housing”* units, upgrades to single-room occupancies, and rent-subsidized units may help some area residents but will leave others in squalor or on the streets. Whether the plan does enough for all 6,300 residents on social assistance and 6,000 others on low incomes is uncertain, but in a no-condos zone along Hastings Street new structures must be at least 60 percent social housing, and one third of those new units must rent at shelter rates. The plan protects heritage buildings and designates Railtown as a potential location for office use.
* The British/Canadian term “social housing” is synonymous with “public housing” in the USA.
New Railtown Live MLS Listings
Railtown, Vancouver, Trendy
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826 289 ALEXANDER Street in Vancouver: Strathcona Condo for sale in "The Edge" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2694419
826 289 ALEXANDER Street Vancouver V6A 4H6 
$2,488,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2694419
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,900 sq. ft.
The epitome of chic European modernist design. Unique in every sense this space pairs thoughtful architecture with fine craftsmanship to create a true urban oasis. Top of the line finishes include custom Italian kitchen cabinetry by renowned Arclinea, fair-faced concrete throughout, Control 4 smart home system, automated blinds & stunning Chris Knell venetian plaster wall finishings. This home offers soaring ceilings and an airy floor plan, making it perfect for stylish city living & entertaining. The chef's kitchen boasts a 6 burner Wolf range, Sub-Zero fridge/freezer and stunning soapstone countertops. The 2 bedrooms are generously scaled and lead to a 5 piece spa-like bathroom with freestanding blustone tub, heated flooring, & steam shower. This home truly exudes timeless elegance. More detailsListed by Angell, Hasman & Associates Realty Ltd.
- Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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426 289 ALEXANDER Street in Vancouver: Strathcona Condo for sale (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2696055
426 289 ALEXANDER Street Vancouver V6A 4H6
$1,224,900Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2696055
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,201 sq. ft.
426 - 289 Alexander St. Vancouver, BC. V6A4H6 A pleasing open design with fabulous water, harbour, city and mountain views. This loft is 16 feet tall creating a light and airy feel to the suite. Large bedroom and bathroom upstairs with a second washroom on the main floor. Engineered hardwood floors and a fireplace adds warmth. This suite is air conditioned. A large balcony to take in the views across our active harbour. The Edge has a number of work shops for the owners including photography, ceramics, wood working, metal shop and gym. This home comes with one parking stall and charging station. Under the counter fridge and freezer also helps to maintain a clean line throughout the suite. Pet and rental friendly. Great restaurants and interesting shops in the area as you are now part of the Gastown and Chinatown neighbourhoods. More detailsListed by Century 21 In Town Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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307 626 ALEXANDER Street in Vancouver: Strathcona Townhouse for sale in "626 Alexander" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2673595
307 626 ALEXANDER Street Vancouver V6A 1C9
$999,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2673595
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 3
- Floor Area:
- 1,108 sq. ft.
CHIC. MODERN. MINIMALIST. Let's start with the LARGEST private rooftop patio in the complex at 600sf w/360 views and an abundance of greenery & flower beds. Life is a peach when you can live & entertain in this 2 bed/3 bath townhouse. This 1108 sf home is an END UNIT which features two levels of living & the perfect oasis for your Summer parties or relax w/your favorite book. Main floor of this home is a generous open living plan with a gourmet kitchen feat quartz countertops, s/s appliances, tons of pantry storage & sleek finishings. There is also a powder room & den. Upper floor has a sizeable master bed with a built-in vanity/office nook, ensuite has calming spa-like charm w/rain shower system & his/ hers vanities. There is also a well appointed 2nd bedroom and full bath. Pets and Rentals/short term rentals with proper protocol. Parking & storage. Railtown is home to design & fashion elites, the best local restaurants, craft breweries, steps to Gastown. More detailsListed by Blu Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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311 626 ALEXANDER Street in Vancouver: Strathcona Condo for sale in "626 Alexander" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2687120
311 626 ALEXANDER Street Vancouver V6A 1C9
$949,900Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2687120
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 3
- Floor Area:
- 1,106 sq. ft.
The perfect boutique hideaway in historic and vibrant Railtown. You'll appreciate this traffic calmed bike friendly street with direct access to the Seawall, Gastown and Downtown. Dog friendly oceanside parks are only a stroll away plus a culinary adventure around every corner in this developing neighbourhood (The St. Lawrence, Belgard, Kissa Tanto, and Callister Brewing to name a few). High ceilings, main hardwood floors, lots of natural light and a Chef’s inspired kitchen with integrated appliances await you at home. Your private rooftop patio with 360 degree views of the north shore mountains & cityscape, fire pit lounge and BBQ will make it hard to leave. Master w/ ensuite, full sized 2nd bedroom, large pantry/den plus 1 parking stall (EV ready) and 1 storage locker included. Pets and rentals allowed. Open House Sunday May 29 2-4pm. More detailsListed by MLA Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
