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
-
826 289 ALEXANDER Street in Vancouver: Strathcona Condo for sale in "THE EDGE" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2785442
826 289 ALEXANDER Street Vancouver V6A 4H6 
$2,380,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2785442
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,900 sq. ft.
STATE OF THE ART SLEEK AND SEXY 1900sf LOFT at the highly sought after Edge Harbourfront. This highly customized loft leaves nothing to be desired w/ over $800k spent in renovations. The volume found in this space rivals any Penthouse in Van w/ 16ft ceilings, extensive use of glass and unobstructed water & mountain views. This one of kind home features gourmet chef's kitchen w/ 6 burner Wolf & Sub-Zero, soapstone countertops, beautiful Arclinea cabinetry. The 2 bedrooms have lacquered Italian cabinetry and master ensuite ft. rain shower, free standing tub & double vanity w/ steam shower. Too many feat to list: automated blinds, security, control 4, Chris Knell Venetian plaster walls. Truly magnificent architectural space for the most discerning clientele. BOOK YOUR PRIVATE VIEWING TODAY. More detailsListed by RE/MAX Select Properties
- Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
-
1006 289 ALEXANDER Street in Vancouver: Strathcona Condo for sale (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2816642
1006 289 ALEXANDER Street Vancouver V6A 4H6
$1,098,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2816642
- Bedrooms:
- 1
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,057 sq. ft.
Welcome to the Edge Building, an exceptional multipurpose loft building nestled on the edge of downtown. This stunning 1-bed, 2-bath loft has undergone a meticulous renovation in 2022 with sleek & modern finishes tied into the building's industrial design features. Upon entering, you'll note the 15-foot ceilings, which combined with the large windows & open layout, bathe the space in natural light. The enclosed bedroom on the upper level provides a serene space with a spa-like ensuite. Immerse yourself in panoramic views of the city skyline & ocean from your private balcony. Residents of the Edge Building have access to multiple amenities, including a gym, music room, metal/wood shop, & pottery studio. Plenty of in-unit storage & an underground parking stall. More detailsListed by RE/MAX Select Properties - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
-
312 626 ALEXANDER Street in Vancouver: Strathcona Condo for sale in "626 ALEXANDER" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2812676
312 626 ALEXANDER Street Vancouver V6A 1C9
$949,900Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2812676
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 3
- Floor Area:
- 1,124 sq. ft.
THE CITY'S BEST KEPT SECRET. Highlights of a rare offering! ROOFTOP. Entertain or greenthumb from a dream 370ft privately hedged terrace w/water+nat gas+electrical - a true extension of living! City+Mtn views, sunrise to sunset. SPACE. Bright&airy elevated 2-storey CORNER home over podium courtyard feat/9ft lofted ceiling, gorgeous 2 Bed+Flex nursery/office, 3 bath, generous storage! DESIGN. Clean lines+quality built. Custom kitchen inc/European cabinetry&integrated appliances, quartz. Premium eng hardwood. Designer lighting. Spa ensuite w/walk-in shower+floating vanity. AMENITIES. Exclusive 25 Home Community. Oversized parking w/EV charge, locker, bike room. SHORT TERM RENTALS - 3 day min! RAILTOWN. Emerging hood, bike route, steps to Belgard Kitchen, breweries, short walk to Gastown! More detailsListed by Keller Williams Elite Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
-
807 289 ALEXANDER Street in Vancouver: Strathcona Condo for sale in "The Edge" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2811968
807 289 ALEXANDER Street Vancouver V6A 4H6
$739,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2811968
- Bedrooms:
- 1
- Bathrooms:
- 1
- Floor Area:
- 699 sq. ft.
This two level one bedroom loft at The Edge in Railtown boasts 16 ft ceilings, double height windows, spacious outdoor patio and cozy gas fireplace. The kitchen includes gas stove top, lots of counter space, and storage options. The open concept living and dining is bright with lots of natural light. This home comes with one parking. The live/work building includes a 7,000 sq ft amenity space featuring gym, metal and woodworking shop, pottery studio, & music room. A short walk to gastown and railtown shops, restaurants, grocery, and transit. More detailsListed by Rennie & Associates Realty Ltd. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
-
210 626 ALEXANDER Street in Vancouver: Strathcona Condo for sale (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2757633
210 626 ALEXANDER Street Vancouver V6A 1C9
$535,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2757633
- Bedrooms:
- 1
- Bathrooms:
- 1
- Floor Area:
- 570 sq. ft.
A newer and funkier ongoing development in Vancouver - RAILTOWN - Complete with great boutique eating experiences, top end micro breweries, artsy shops all close by. Easy access to transit, bike rentals, to commute to work or use the many bike paths throughout the city. This one bed, one bath condo was built by Epix Developments and features a great open layout with 9' ceilings and engineered hardwood throughout. Your gourmet kitchen comes complete w top end European appliances including a gas range to go w large quartz countertop island with under bar seating. Lots of cupboard space, w dishwasher, microwave, fridge/freezer, washer/dryer in unit. Downstairs you have a storage locker and a separate bike room. Outside your door is an outdoor private courtyard complete w BBQ on your 2nd floor More detailsListed by eXp Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
-
206 626 ALEXANDER Street in Vancouver: Strathcona Condo for sale in "626 Alexander" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2816834
206 626 ALEXANDER Street Vancouver V6A 1C9
$525,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2816834
- Bedrooms:
- 1
- Bathrooms:
- 1
- Floor Area:
- 570 sq. ft.
Hip urban living on one of the quieter blocks in RAILTOWN. Epix Developments built this one bed & den, one bath condo and features a great open layout with 9' ceilings and engineered hardwood throughout. Your gourmet kitchen comes complete w/ top-end European appliances including a gas range and a large quartz countertop island with under-bar seating. Lots of cabinet space, w/ dishwasher, microwave, fridge/freezer, washer/dryer in unit. Below is a storage locker and a separate bike room. PLUS some of the best restaurants and microbreweries are steps away. Easy access to transit & bike rentals. In the common secure courtyard is a BBQ and dining space. More detailsListed by Oakwyn Realty Ltd. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
