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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2306 128 W CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VW Condo for sale in "WOODWARDS - W43" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2811878
2306 128 W CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6B 0E6 
$2,099,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2811878
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 3
- Floor Area:
- 1,926 sq. ft.
Live in the sky! Beautiful large contemporary loft in the heart of downtown Vancouver. Soaring 23 floors above ground, this 2-level corner home is located in the reclaimed Woodward's Building. With expansive views of the ocean and the city, it is conveniently nestled between Chinatown, Gastown and Crosstown, steps from the office, great restaurants, the arenas & the Canada Line. Watch the sun come up from the East and set in the West from your private south-facing patio. Double height ceilings on the main floor with larger-than-life windows welcome light in year-round. A spiral staircase leads up to the 2nd flr with 2 spacious bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a bonus secondary entrance on the 25th floor. This architectural space is 1 of 5 SKYHOMES in the building and 1 of the only units that has air-conditioning. A 24 hour concierge and access to Club W - an exclusive rooftop clubhouse with the iconic W hot tub, fitness center, lounge, a communal BBQ area and media room. AirBnB friendly. More detailsListed by Stilhavn Real Estate Services
- Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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PH1 108 W CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VW Condo for sale in "Woodwards" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2818488
PH1 108 W CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6B 0G5
$1,999,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2818488
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,668 sq. ft.
Are you ready for it? PH 1, a symphony of architecture & drama crowned by one of the city’s most remarkable terraces. With sweeping vistas from every room & over 1500 sq ft of outdoor space the stage is set for breathtaking views of mountains, city & water, accentuated by cruise ships, float planes & mesmerizing sunsets. Inside, chic modernity pairs clean lines, with 9’ concrete ceilings . 2 spacious bedrooms both with ensuites, lounge/ office area, large living & dining and open chef’s kitchen create an entertainer’s paradise. Adding to the allure of this iconic Woodwards building is 1st class amenities including roof top hot tub/ spa & gym, 2 parking & concierge. Live on top of the world in this one of a kind epic sky home. More detailsListed by Engel & Volkers Vancouver - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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PH2 36 WATER Street in Vancouver: Downtown VW Condo for sale in "TERMINUS" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2830658
PH2 36 WATER Street Vancouver V6B 0B7
$1,849,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2830658
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,389 sq. ft.
Terminus sets a new standard in hip & historic Gastown. With views south, east & north from the 800+ SF private roof terrace - PH2 is a rare ownership opportunity, it has a grand feel from start to finish with 1389 SF of indoor space and soaring 10 ceilings filling the A/C space with natural light. Finished to a high standard with strand walnut hardwood floors & imported Dutch porcelain tiles. Two fully integrated Liebherr Fridge/freezers, Bosch cooktop, oven & dishwasher. Stainless steel counter, backsplash & Blanco sink. The large primary suite flows into a gorgeous spa-like bathroom with glass steam shower & separate soaker tub. Also included: Bosch Axxis washer & dryer. Rooftop outdoor kitchen with natural gas grill, U-Line outdoor fridge & Blanco undermount sink. More detailsListed by Oakwyn Realty Ltd. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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4110 128 W CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VW Condo for sale in "WOODWARDS" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2769230
4110 128 W CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6B 0E6
$1,628,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2769230
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,158 sq. ft.
This Penthouse at award winning Iconic Woodward's building is an architectural landmark offering the best in metropolitan lifestyle. Best in the city View of Vancouver Harbor, North Shore mountains, Lions Gate Bridge, , wrap around 270 degrees corner units that bring the light throughout. More detailsListed by TRG The Residential Group Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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703 36 WATER Street in Vancouver: Downtown VW Condo for sale in "TERMINUS" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2829908
703 36 WATER Street Vancouver V6B 0B7
$1,599,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2829908
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,202 sq. ft.
Expansive VIEW rooftop deck! A coveted location in Gastown, this modern, yet warm home is bathed in natural light from full height windows and 10' ceilings, flooding the space w/an airy, light feel while staying cool w/AC. Quiet nights in or entertain the night away in your 1200 sqft interior & 1000 sqft of exterior, featuring two spaces: large balcony w/gas & rooftop deck w/outdoor kitchen and gas hookups. Beautiful views from every space, inside and out, from water and mountains to historic & vibrant Gastown. The warmth continues w/ refinished H/W floors, Geothermal heating/cooling & Nuheat floors in the baths, high-end appliances, powered blinds, mutli-zone speakers inside & out. Just steps to some of the best restaurants and coolest fashion & design shops in the city. More detailsListed by Engel & Volkers Vancouver - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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509 36 WATER Street in Vancouver: Downtown VW Condo for sale in "TERMINUS" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2832834
509 36 WATER Street Vancouver V6B 0B7
$1,498,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2832834
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,388 sq. ft.
Welcome to Terminus, an iconic building in Historic Gastown on Water Street! This sought-after AIR-CONDITIONED loft offers modern interiors within a historical facade. The SUB PENTHOUSE LOFT spans over 1,700 S/F of seamlessly blending indoor & outdoor living. The spacious open concept is perfect for entertaining, & this luxury loft features 2 beds, 2 full baths, Office/Den, customized kitchen with high-end European appliances. Enjoy edge-cut walnut flooring, Philippe Starck linear bathrooms, geothermal heating & cooling, & ample built-in storage units throughout. The building also boasts a common rooftop lounge, while the condo itself offers a remarkable 395 S/F PRIVATE ROOFTOP PATIO & GARDEN along the north side. 2 side-by-side parking along with 2 Storage lockers included. A must see! More detailsListed by Angell, Hasman & Associates Realty Ltd. and Bellevue Realty Group - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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211 55 E CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale in "KORET LOFTS" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2812155
211 55 E CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6A 0A5
$1,398,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2812155
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,434 sq. ft.
THIS IS IT. A RENOVATED NYC inspired loft that has it ALL. STYLE, SPACE & FUNCTION. Soaring 10'4 ceilings with huge timber beams/brick feature walls, a corner unit surrounded by 7' windows flooding in natural light/air and a nearly perfect 2 BR layout with huge office (could use as 3rd bedroom). Lovingly renovated, design cues and sophistication are evident at every angle. New kitchen/cabinets/appliances & beautiful dining area look over the expansive living room. The master suite is stunning, including a walk in closet, free standing claw-foot tub/shower and fireplace, Right in the heart of Gastown, live/work zoning steps from shopping/restaurants. Best private parking spot in the building too... More detailsListed by Dexter Realty - 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
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508 12 WATER ST Street in Vancouver: Downtown VW Condo for sale in "Garage" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2822298
508 12 WATER ST Street Vancouver V6B 1A4
$1,249,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2822298
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 958 sq. ft.
Welcome to Garage and a very nicely renovated 2bed/2bath with A/C. Developed by the Salient group, their work with the Garage included a rehabilitation of retail and office spaces, and addition of new residential storeys, configured around the Gaoler’s Mews courtyard. Garage was created as new, modern live-work space in Gastown, and was the third phase of Salient’s mixed-use redevelopment in this historic neighbourhood. It melds together the modern addition spread across the former 1930 Nagle Brothers garage and the 1890 Cordage Building – a former home of rope manufacturer Canada Cordage Co. The project was completed in the fall of 2009. This project received the 2010 UDI Award of Excellence in Urban Development for “Best Heritage”. Garage is widely regarded as the best of Salient's fabulous warehouse/character building conversions. 1 Parking & 1 Storage incl. Happy to Help! More detailsListed by Oakwyn Realty Ltd. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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301 36 WATER Street in Vancouver: Downtown VW Condo for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2826038
301 36 WATER Street Vancouver V6B 0B7
$1,199,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2826038
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,240 sq. ft.
Loft living at its finest. Located in the VIBRANT neighbourhood of west Gastown, Terminus was newly constructed in 2008 by award winning architecture firm ACTONOSTRY. This rarely available 2 level, 2 bedroom + flex, open concept loft flows seamlessly incorporating European design, concrete steps, 18 ft ceilings, and beautiful retained bay windows, perfect for entertaining. Includes multiple built in storage units, linear kitchen design with Bosch and Miele appliances, stainless steel countertops, geothermal heating and cooling with high efficiency heat pumps. All this plus a Common lounge & 2 fabulous ROOFTOP decks with views More detailsListed by RE/MAX Select Properties - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
