Chinatown Overview
Canada’s largest Chinatown, among the largest in North America, is in the City of Vancouver, British Columbia, in the blocks around Main, Pender, and Keefer Streets with the Gastown and Downtown districts to the west, Downtown Eastside to the north, the residential district of Strathcona to the east, and False Creek to the south. Chinatown remains a popular tourist attraction despite the growth of the newer Chinese immigrant business district in the suburb of Richmond south of Vancouver on Lulu Island in the Fraser River. Many affluent Hong Kong and Taiwan immigrants in Richmond have developed successful Chinese businesses in the area now named Golden Village by the City of Richmond, which once proposed the name “Chinatown” only to encounter strong resistance from the original Chinatown in Vancouver and from non-Chinese Richmond residents and merchants.
Asian Influx
The Greater Vancouver Regional District received large numbers of Asian immigrants during the late 20th Century, primarily Chinese, whose population reached 300,000 by the mid-’90s. More immigrants settled in Richmond than in Vancouver Chinatown for its lower costs of living and closer distance to the Vancouver International Airport. The development of suburban Asian shopping districts with plenty of parking space like Richmond’s Aberdeen Centre, visibly impaired the business heart of historic Chinatown.
Decline
Chinatown businesses today consist mostly of working-class retailers, small groceries, tea shops, and souvenir stores. Some restaurants stand out, but there are no longer so many, and their declining numbers brought less foot traffic and nighttime activity than in former times. The 10-percent Chinatown vacancy rate shows the need for a fresh approach to development to replace businesses that have moved to suburban locations, retired, or simply closed. Redevelopment opportunities are clearly present. Chinatown lease rates from $15–30/square foot are the cheapest in the city, much lower than those in Vancouver’s Downtown shopping district.
The Vancouver Chinatown Business Improvement Area
In the 1990s, the Vancouver Chinatown Merchants Association searched for an effective vehicle for projects to revitalize the area. Gastown and Downtown Vancouver had formed business improvement areas (BIAs) with evident success. With the consent and support of merchants and property owners, the association planned to establish a Chinatown BIA.
After several attempts, the association succeeded in winning the community support necessary establish a Chinatown BIA. The Vancouver Chinatown Business Improvement Area (VCBIA) incorporated in 2000 on a model of BIAs successful in other areas of the city to improve Chinatown’s cleanliness and safety, expand and promote its events, and work with media and external partners to make Chinatown popular and prosperous again. A voluntary board of property owners and tenants manages the VCBIA. The city assists with annual funding through a special property tax like a local improvement levy. Each property’s contribution to the annual BIA budget is according to its proportionate share of the total BIA taxable value.
Information Links:
http://vancouver-chinatown.com
http://vancouver.ca/home-property-development/chinatown-revitalization.aspx
Redevelopment Prospects
A new Chinatown business plan now encourages entrepreneurs to move in to rehabilitate storefronts, attract a young crowd, and make visitors more comfortable. Attracted by low rents and heritage buildings, new businesses have moved in with owners in apartments above the shops. Chinatown’s priority now is to attract people of all backgrounds in the belief that non-traditional stores will bring a new flow of energy and income. Commercial activity is increasingly diverse with vintage stores, two art galleries, bars, and now a nightclub at the location of the former Ming’s restaurant, an attempt to bring back some of the nightlife atmosphere of the 1950s and ’60s. The diversity of new shops and businesses has created a new Chinatown image of vibrancy to compete with suburban districts and complement nearby Gastown and Downtown Vancouver.
New Chinatown Live MLS Listings
Chinatown, Vancouver, BC, Real Estate
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441 - 449 E PENDER Street in Vancouver: Strathcona Land for sale (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2790993
441 - 449 E PENDER Street Vancouver V6A 1V2 
$3,950,000Land Only- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2790993
Corbel Commercial presents 441 & 449 East Pender Street - rare vacant lots situated in the coveted neighbourhood of Strathcona. The property is minutes away from downtown Vancouver and is in close proximity to Railtown, Chinatown, and Gastown, and is strategically located approximately 4 blocks north of the new St. Paul's Hospital lands - a $2 billion,800,000 SF technology, research, and medical state of the art campus. A Vendor Take Back Mortgage upto a 70% Loan to Value is negotiable! Please contact the listing agent for further details. More detailsListed by Corbel Commercial Inc.
- Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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521 UNION Street in Vancouver: Strathcona House for sale (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2812932
521 UNION Street Vancouver V6A 2B7
$3,499,999Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2812932
- Bedrooms:
- 6
- Bathrooms:
- 7
- Floor Area:
- 2,741 sq. ft.
Offering this newly built stunning house on Union Street in picturesque Strathcona, with excellent transit access and downtown proximity. Sitting on 3050 sq. ft. lot, features a main house with separate basement suite and an incredible detached lane-way house, and huge yard with plenty of outdoor entertainment space. Dramatic rear elevation. Built to the highest standards of construction and design. Main house showcases three levels of living and features many exciting attributes including a kitchen with plenty of cabinets and adjoining eating area, simple and cozy living room, skylight staircase leads to three bedrooms on upper level including a master and ensuite, etc. Laneway house also features two bedrooms, kitchen and living room, beautiful hardwood flooring, adequate storage space and Garage. Close to new St. Paul's Hospital & City's top cafes & restaurants. You can’t miss out on this fabulous house in such a dynamic and welcoming neighborhood. Opportunities like this don't come often; act quickly! More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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901 239 KEEFER Street in Vancouver: Strathcona Condo for sale in "SPARROW" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2763517
901 239 KEEFER Street Vancouver V6A 1X6
$1,949,900Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2763517
- Bedrooms:
- 3
- Bathrooms:
- 3
- Floor Area:
- 1,211 sq. ft.
Awesome 2 bed-2 bath at SPARROW, this amazing home offers 9’ ceilings, full-height windows, and generous walk out patios. The living space features rift-cut white oak floors. The kitchens are a chef's paradise, stunning white oak and white lacquer cabinets, quartz countertops, under-mounted sinks, no-touch faucet, seamless Liebherr fridge, AEG European wall over & induction cooktop and Fisher & Paykel dishwasher. The bathrooms feature wall-mounted vanity and storage, Silestone Calacatta quartz countertops, Italian stone vanity, LED-lighting, rain & hand shower.. Beautifully appointed bedroom. 1 underground parking This is not an offering for sale. Any such offerings may only be made with a Disclosure Statement. E.&O.E. More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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903 239 KEEFER Street in Vancouver: Strathcona Condo for sale in "SPARROW" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2763403
903 239 KEEFER Street Vancouver V0V 0V0
$1,849,900Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2763403
- Bedrooms:
- 3
- Bathrooms:
- 3
- Floor Area:
- 1,175 sq. ft.
Awesome 3 bed & 2.5 bath VIEW PENTHOUSE - MASSIVE ROOF TOP DECK, 9’ ceilings and full-height windows plus walk out patios. The kitchens are a chef's paradise, stunning white oak and white lacquer cabinets, quartz countertops, under-mounted sinks, no-touch faucet, seamless Liebherr fridge, AEG European wall over & induction cooktop and Fisher & Paykel dishwasher. Rift-cut white oak floors throughout. The bathrooms feature wall-mounted vanity and storage, Silestone Calacatta quartz countertops, Italian stone vanity, LED-lighting, rain & hand shower. Great bedrooms. 1 underground parking. Common outdoor courtyard garden. This is not an offering for sale. Any such offerings may only be made with a Disclosure Statement. E.&O.E. More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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20 133 KEEFER Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale in "The Keefer" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2811641
20 133 KEEFER Street Vancouver V6A 1X3
$1,699,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2811641
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 3
- Floor Area:
- 2,418 sq. ft.
Welcome to The Keefer. This one-of-a-kind loft is located in the heart of historic Chinatown. Built in 1910 and restored and converted in 2009, this two bedroom, 3 bathroom residence spans the entire second floor and boasts 2,418 sq ft of open-concept living space perfect for entertaining. This loft impresses with incredible attention to detail, featuring timber wood beams and exposed brick paired with high-end finishings that include a Bulthaup kitchen, Sub-Zero and Miele appliances, full wine fridge and wide-plank oak flooring. Comes with extra in suite storage - unique to this floor only. 3-window sided home with floor-to-ceiling bi-folding doors seamlessly connecting the living area to a light filled courtyard/garden. Pet's and rentals allowed! This will not last! More detailsListed by The Agency Vancouver - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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617 UNION Street in Vancouver: Strathcona House for sale in "MOUNT PLEASANT" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2757429
617 UNION Street Vancouver V6A 2C1
$1,650,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2757429
- Bedrooms:
- 4
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,237 sq. ft.
Welcome to one of the most desirable streets and neighborhoods in the STRATHCONA AREA. This home features 4 Bedrooms and 1.5 Baths. Sitting on a 25' X 122' LOT, This DIAMOND in a ROUGH is waiting for SOMEONE to bring their creative and aspiring IDEA to BRING it back to LIFE. GIVE IT SOME TLC and Benefit it later. RT-3 Zoning. Excellent HOLDING PROPERTY for BUILDERS or INVESTORS. PROPERTY IS TO BE "SOLD AS-IS, WHERE-IS". POTENTIAL TO BUILD A DUPLEX. More detailsListed by Royal Pacific Realty (Kingsway) Ltd. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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518 CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Strathcona House for sale (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2833431
518 CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6A 1L7
$1,525,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2833431
- Bedrooms:
- 8
- Bathrooms:
- 3
- Floor Area:
- 2,769 sq. ft.
INVESTORS & DEVELOPERS ALERT!! This Character home offers a great opportunity for a renovation project with development potential within Downtown Eastside Plan!! The home currently offers 9 bed/ 3 bath with a functional layout & back lane access. After some renovations, this home will offer great rental income potential while you hold the property and capitalize on the FUTURE DEVELOPMENT potential. This property falls within the DEOD Sub-Area 2 zoning bylaw allows up to a 4.5 FSR or possible 5.0 FSR through rezoning via the Downtown Eastside Plan. CALL NOW TO ARRANGE YOUR SHOWING!! More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty (Surrey/24) - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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665 E CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Strathcona House for sale (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2769292
665 E CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6A 1M1
$1,450,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2769292
- Bedrooms:
- 7
- Bathrooms:
- 3
- Floor Area:
- 2,360 sq. ft.
Affordable 7 Bedroom and 3 bathroom house in East Vancouver! Full renovation in 2018 which includes roof, exterior wall, flooring, kitchen cabinet , appliance, bath room and new fence and gate etc. Expansive backyard which will also accommodate an RV. Walk to absolutely everything and everywhere. Don't miss out on an opportunity to own a 2360 sqf house within a 10 minute walk to the historic and bustling Chinatown, Gas Town and Vancouver's Downtown! More detailsListed by Luxmore Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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PH6 188 KEEFER Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2809050
PH6 188 KEEFER Street Vancouver V6A 0E3
$1,358,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2809050
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 3
- Floor Area:
- 1,271 sq. ft.
Situated in the historic, vibrant and convenient Chinatown. This stunning N/E corner Penthouse with floor to ceiling windows is sure to impress, with panoramic City, Water and Mountain views. Designed by renowned architect, W.T. Lueng. 1271 Sq ft of 2 level spacious living with 2 bed + Den. This sleek and modern home boasts gorgeous hardwood floors. Miele appliances, gas cooktop, stone counters, Roller shades. 2 parking side by side and 2 storage lockers. Steps to a foodies paradise, you will find Kissa Tanto, Virtuous Pie and Bodega just to name a few. This rare opportunity awaits you! More detailsListed by Rennie & Associates Realty Ltd. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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87 E CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale in "Koret Lofts" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2827916
87 E CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6A 1K3
$1,299,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2827916
- Bedrooms:
- 1
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,743 sq. ft.
Rarely available and highly sought-after commercial live/work loft in historic Koret Lofts, a century-old, remade warehouse located in the heart of bustling Gastown. This 1,743 SF loft has those New York vibes coupled with heritage charm, offering 18' ceilings, all original fir beams, brick wall, and wood floors, as well as finished concrete throughout. Comes with in-suite laundry and one secure parking. Gastown's 'it' building, known for its tight-knit community and well-managed strata. Potential cash cow opportunity - this is one of Vancouver's few fully-approved buildings, allowing Airbnb rentals. Guests will love walking down the cobblestones to the area's highly-rated shops, restaurants, and cafes. This ground-level home has endless opportunities. More detailsListed by The Agency Vancouver - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
