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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509 36 WATER Street in Vancouver: Downtown VW Condo for sale in "TERMINUS" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2780478
509 36 WATER Street Vancouver V6B 0B7 
$1,890,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2780478
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,783 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, 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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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.
Penthouses ( 4110 and 4101 both listed) at award winning Iconic Woodward's building. 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. Those corner Penthouses are side by side and if assembled ( subject to strata, city approval) could become over 2100 sq.ft. Home in "the Sky" . Absolutely spectacular living space would have 4 parkings and 4 lockers. Great investment for a person with a vision of designing a dream place to reside or for family of friends to live side by side. Balcony size 14'0x 9'11 More detailsListed by TRG The Residential Group 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®# R2780297
87 E CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6A 1K3
$1,549,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2780297
- 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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310 36 WATER Street in Vancouver: Downtown VW Condo for sale in "Terminus" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2771264
310 36 WATER Street Vancouver V6B 0B7
$1,525,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2771264
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,607 sq. ft.
This sophisticated loft in Gastown is the ultimate in urban living with a great sense of home. Unique 2 bed, 2 baths featuring a foyer, sleek Ramplus sliding walls exposing a bathroom and a bdrm, & a raised living room with reclaimed heritage windows framed with an inviting, and verdant living wall. Kitchen features a streamlined look with Bosch and Liebherr appliances and an en famille eating area. Up to loft space with an office & master bdrm, a plethora of storage, & plenty of ambient light. Rare features for the artistic & bohemian include a gallery with double-height ceilings encompassed by a minimalist Bocci light fixture. Terminus, a conversion building, built by Salient, geothermal heating, common rooftop balcony & 1 parking. Call to book your private showing! More detailsListed by Sotheby's International Realty Canada - 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®# R2770608
211 55 E CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6A 0A5
$1,488,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2770608
- 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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3003 128 W CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VW Condo for sale in "WOODWARDS W43" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2779976
3003 128 W CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6B 0E6
$1,298,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2779976
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,042 sq. ft.
Magnificent 270 degree unobstructed water & mtn views from every room in this highly sought after NE corner of Gastown's award wining Woodwards. This one of a kind residence offers 1,042 sqft of luxury living & located steps from the best of downtown Vancouver. Meticulously renovated to the highest standard in 2019. Wide plank oak floors, temp controlled wine wall, power shades, steam fireplace, Italian stone surrounds & storage galore w California closets. An entertainers paradise w an exceptional open plan incl 2nd bed conversion into additional living space (simple conversion to 2nd bed), sensational chef's kitchen w top grade appliances, 2 full spa inspired baths & private patio perfect for BBQ. 5 star amenities w rooftop 'Club W' ,BONUS 2 parking!Open house Sat ,June 10th, 2-4PM More detailsListed by Macdonald Realty Westmar - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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1909 108 W CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VW Condo for sale in "WOODWARDS" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2781068
1909 108 W CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6B 0G5
$1,198,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2781068
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,041 sq. ft.
Experience luxury living in this 2-bed, 2-bath NW corner unit at Woodward's W32. Incredible views of the ocean and mountains. Enjoy 2 balconies, sleek finishes, a spacious kitchen with a large island, updated countertops, and gas cooktop. Club W on the 43rd floor offers 360-degree views, a gym, lounge, kitchen, and hot tub. Steps from trendy amenities, Canada Line, and the seawall. Includes parking, heat, internet, and a Murphy Bed. Don't miss this unrivalled opportunity for Vancouver's finest real estate. More detailsListed by RE/MAX Select Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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610 53 W HASTINGS Street in Vancouver: Downtown VW Condo for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2778033
610 53 W HASTINGS Street Vancouver V6B 1G4
$1,150,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2778033
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,074 sq. ft.
Welcome to the essence of urban luxury living in Vancouver, where style meets sophistication in this 3 story 2 bed 2 bath plus den, exquisite penthouse loft condo. With a private rooftop deck and a main level balcony designed for entertaining, this exceptional residence offers an unparalleled living experience. The moment you enter, the soaring 16-foot ceilings and expansive floor-to-ceiling south facing windows bathe the space in natural light, creating an atmosphere of openness and tranquility. The industrial-chic aesthetic is enhanced by the sleek concrete floors, which exude an air of modern elegance while providing excellent durability. Pets & rentals are allowed. Viewing by appointment only. More detailsListed by Coldwell Banker Marquise Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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1001 150 E CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale in "Ingastown" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2757805
1001 150 E CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6A 0E7
$1,099,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2757805
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 831 sq. ft.
One of the best views in Vancouver! Own a TRUE PENTHOUSE with panoramic views of the North Shore mountains, Burrard Inlet & amazing cityscape. Complete with your very own PRIVATE 688 sqft ROOFTOP DECK with an 8 person HOT TUB. You'll immediately be impressed by this custom unit. Only unit in the building with A/C and hot tub on the roof. Features include gorgeous polished concrete floors, top of the line kitchen appliances, wine fridge, lovely master suite with custom shower & heated flooring, garage space for one vehicle and a motorcycle + 3 storage lockers. Another one of the many beautiful features this home offers is the floating illuminated concrete staircase leading to your rooftop Oasis. Live in the heart of Gastown, with the city's best restaurants, bars & Shopping at your doorstep. * Property is tenanted M/M Pictures taken prior to tenancy.*Open House Sunday 28th 12-1:15 More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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1506 128 W CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VW Condo for sale in "Woodwards W43" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2781780
1506 128 W CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6B 0E6
$1,099,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2781780
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,158 sq. ft.
Luxurious 2-bedroom 2 bath SE corner suite + 1 Parking. One of the nicest units in the building. 2018 full renovations. Gourmet kitchen with full size Fulgor dual fuel range with hood fan, full size Liebher fridge, Miele dishwasher, Miele washer and dryer, Toto toilets, wine fridge, custom queen size Italian wall bed, quartz counter tops, custom closets, and white oak engineered hardwood. Partial water & mountain view from your patio. Internet, heating, and gas is included in strata fees. Gorgeous amenities floor with fully stocked gym, hot tub, patio and work spaces. Airbnb friendly building with city and strata approval. This dream unit won't last for long! Available to show by appointment only Saturdays 1-3pm and Mondays before 5pm. More detailsListed by 88West Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
