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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708 27 ALEXANDER Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale in "THE ALEXIS" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2574926
708 27 ALEXANDER Street Vancouver V6A 1B2 
$1,688,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2574926
- Bedrooms:
- 1
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,383 sq. ft.
Welcome to The Alexis, one of Gastown’s premier heritage conversion buildings. No expense has been spared in this 1 Bedroom 2 Bathroom luxury sub-penthouse condo that was meticulously renovated to the utmost quality by internationally acclaimed interior designer, Patricia Grey. With 1,383 square feet of exposed open living, this exceptional suite comes fully loaded with integrated lighting and remote-controlled Lutron blinds, new windows, radiant in-floor heating, theatrical performing sound system, custom kitchen, extensive built-in features, Miele and Sub-Zero appliances, built-in vacuum system, ample storage space, spacious, spa-like bathrooms with steam shower and Villeroy & Boch ceramic bathroom fixtures, communal rooftop patio, and two secure side-by-side parking stalls. As featured in some of home magazine’s leading publications - including Architectural Digest and Western Living, this striking condo offers jaw-dropping unobstructed forever water, city, and mountain views. More detailsListed by Angell, Hasman & 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®# R2619820
87 E CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6A 1K3
$1,628,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2619820
- Bedrooms:
- 1
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,741 sq. ft.
Your new digs is ow available at historic Gastown Koret Lofts, a century old remade warehouse. At 1741SF this street level TH/office/retail space comes with one-way mirrors for added privacy. Inside you feel the energy & history of original fir beams, brick wall, heritage floors mixed w/ concrete. The Lofts versatile experience has 2 bath, 2 levels w/ bdrm or boardroom upstairs and approx. 1100SF of living/retail/workspace on main. W/ lots of storage space feel assured of value alongside heritage charm w/18'ceilings; you will fall in love. This eclectic Koret community is welcoming to business', family & friends. Zoned for Commercial & Residential Koret Lofts is a special opportunity. Original owner is sad to move on move on but he is excited for the next experience this loft will bring. More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2310 128 W CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VW Condo for sale in "WOODWARD W43" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2611456
2310 128 W CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6B 0E6
$1,399,900Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2611456
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,155 sq. ft.
Woodwards District by award winning luxury developer Westbank. Enjoy multi-million dollar amazing coal harbour views from this well priced, spacious & stylish unit at Woodwards W43 - Sweeping north shore mountains,Coal harbour ocean and vivid downtown city views. This unit comes with 2 bdrms, open den, 2 baths + balcony with 270 degrees sweeping view. Unit features with hardwood flooring, sleek kitchen design and trendy back splash glass tiles, stainless steel appliances & stone countertops. Top floor amenities on 43rd floor with Gym, indoor/outdoor lounge areas, hot tub, media room, gardens and library. Maintenance fee includes your hot water baseboard heating. 2 Parking stalls. More detailsListed by Rennie & Associates Realty Ltd. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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273 COLUMBIA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2604756
273 COLUMBIA Street Vancouver V6A 2R5
$1,388,888Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2604756
- Bedrooms:
- 1
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,587 sq. ft.
Expansive ground floor LIVE/WORK space of nearly 1,600 SQFT at Koret Lofts. In the Gastown Historic District, this HA-2 zoned unit allows a multitude of home and/or business uses. This unit showcases 15'9 ceilings, designer lighting, 3 tilt-in windows, integrated sound and an abundance of custom cabinetry. Heritage wood beams and custom concrete floors make this an inviting home, retail, office, or gallery space. Top-of-the-line commercial-grade kitchen with an extra-large island and GE stainless steel appliances. The loft up highlights an elegant master suite with extensive custom built-ins & storage. One secured parking spot. Excellent, well-maintained building features a stunning, two-grill courtyard patio; secure bike room; pets and rentals welcome (Airbnb min one week). More detailsListed by RE/MAX Crest Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2710 128 W CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VW Condo for sale in "WOODWARDS" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2614872
2710 128 W CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6B 0E6
$1,295,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2614872
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,158 sq. ft.
2710 - 128 W Cordova, V6B 0E6 "Woodwards" Quintessential Gastown living at its finest! This modern 2 BD 2 BA NW corner unit boasts expansive 1150 SF of luxurious living space. Unit has breathtaking views of the city, water, & mountains. Finishes incl. S/S appliances, gas cooktop, sleek subway backsplash tiles in kitchen & bathrooms, spa-like master bath w/soaker tub & separate shower & spacious outdoor balcony to take in the spectacular sunsets. High-end amenities incl. 24 hr concierge at your service, full gym, hot tub, spacious workstations, lounge/media room, & a jaw-dropping outdoor kitchen all on the "Club W" rooftop on the 43rd floor. Steps from transportation to Waterfront Skytrain, the best cafes & restaurants & SFU. Pets OK, rentals min. 6 mos, 2 tandem prk stalls #15 & #16 (P2) Common pty, no storage locker. Contingency reserved $1.85M. Insurance ded $250K Open House Sat Oct 16, 1pm -3 pm More detailsListed by RE/MAX Crest Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2303 128 W CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VW Condo for sale in "Woodwards (W43)" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2610708
2303 128 W CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6B 0E6
$1,199,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2610708
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,019 sq. ft.
Live in a Vancouver landmark! the Woodwards building offers first-class amenities and a vibrant city lifestyle! This spacious 1,019 sqft unit has an open floorplan with 2 bdrms, 2 baths, insuite laundry, 1 secured parking and open balcony spectacular view of the N. Shore mountains and the water. Gorgeous S/S appliances, H/W floors, cabinets by Inform, shower and soaker tub. Vancouver vibrant city core is right outside- trendy restaurants, unique shops and the fast-paced culture of Gastown. Club W sits on the top two floors overlooking the water. It features fitness centre, media rm, huge roof top deck and hot tub. Skytrain is only minutes away. Gas, heat, hot water and highspeed internet incl in Maint Fee. (Interior pictures of suite are virtually staged.) More detailsListed by Oakwyn Realty Downtown Ltd. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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312 36 WATER Street in Vancouver: Downtown VW Condo for sale in "TERMINUS" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2618146
312 36 WATER Street Vancouver V6B 0B7
$1,198,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2618146
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,255 sq. ft.
Loft living at its absolute finest in the sought-after Terminus building. Located in the heart of Gastown, Terminus was newly constructed in 2008 utilizing thoughtful design and architecture by the award-winning firm Acton Ostry. This rarely available 2 level, 2 bedroom + flex, open concept loft flows seamlessly incorporating European design, concrete steps, 16 ft ceilings, and gorgeous retained bay windows to create an impressive & unique space. Enjoy a home filled with natural light flowing from a tasteful skylight feature. Includes multiple built in storage units, linear kitchen design with Bosch and Miele appliances, stainless steel countertops, and a geothermal heating and cooling system. 1 secure parking and 1 large storage locker included. OPEN HOUSE SAT/SUN OCTOBER 2 & 3, 2-4pm. More detailsListed by Rennie & Associates Realty Ltd. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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603 28 POWELL Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2620664
603 28 POWELL Street Vancouver V6A 1E7
$1,190,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2620664
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,159 sq. ft.
Manhattan style PENTHOUSE Loft in Gastown. This 2 level west facing urban residence is wrapped in gallery windows with dramatic 17 ft ceilings and is flooded with amazing light and gorgeous views. Upon entry the volume of this unique space unfolds. Open floor plan made up to 2 bedrooms plus 2 full baths. Efficient updated kitchen featuring stainless appliances & granite countertops. In addition to the balcony off the living room, an extremely rare PRIVATE roof top terrace is yours to entertain on and take in the views of mountains, harbour and city- absolutely electric at night. Gastown is bustling with arts, culture, design, and some of the best restaurants in town. Secured underground parking and storage included. What's not to love about 28 Powell Lane. More detailsListed by Macdonald Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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303 55 E CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale in "Koret Lofts" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2586602
303 55 E CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6A 0A5
$1,188,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2586602
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,227 sq. ft.
Expansive NYC style loft in Gastown's coveted Koret Lofts. Recently renovated, this hip open concept space boasts gleaming concrete floors, large entertainment size living room w adjacent dining and kitchen, plus a flex area perfect for office, all adorned w exposed brick + old growth beams & mountain views! The pro chef’s kitchen is perfectly appointed w modern wht cabinetry, ss appliances, lrg gas range, wine fridge, stainless island. The master bedroom is hidden behind a beautiful custom built barn door, complete with lots of storage and large beautifully renovated spa-inspired ensuite bath w exposed bathtub + subway tiled shower. The building provides a great outdoor patio/seating/BBQ area for the owners' enjoyment. 2 pets ok. 1 u/g parking. More detailsListed by Engel & Volkers Vancouver - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2003 128 W CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VW Condo for sale in "Woodwards" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2615377
2003 128 W CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6B 0E6
$1,188,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2615377
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,031 sq. ft.
Amazing Panoramic Views of Downtown Vancouver, Stanley Park, Lions Gate Bridge and the North Shore Mntns, from every room in the North and East, facing unit . Floor to ceiling windows enhance the amazing views and light throughout the entire 2 bdrm and 2 bath corner unit, on this 20th floor condo. Nice new laminate floors throughout the entire unit . Beautiful open kitchen with large island to entertain and cook , as well as enjoy the Northeast views, while cooking. Stainless steel appliances, lots of cupboard space, gas stove. This unit shows extremely well and there is nothing to do , but move your things in , is ready to go. More detailsListed by TRG The Residential Group Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
