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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PH1 108 W CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VW Condo for sale in "WOODWARDS" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2696763
PH1 108 W CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6B 0G5 
$2,698,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2696763
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,658 sq. ft.
'PENTHOUSE ONE' has JAW DROPPING/DIRECT WATER VIEWS from ALL rooms/living spaces including the over 1500sf patio which is breathtaking/an entertainer's dream. The interior, boasting nearly 1700sf is open concept on the main floor, with clean lines, 9.5 foot ceilings, wood flooring, window seating, and a large guest bedroom/ensuite. Upstairs is a sanctuary, with a lounge, huge storage plus a generous Primary Bedroom/Ensuite that is sure to impress. The private walk out patio is completely incredible/unique, drenched in sunshine, and has irrigation/natural gas plus room for 200 (or so) of your closest friends! This is a world class yet accessible PH, in a centrally located boutique building with amenities including a concierge, hot tub/spa and clubhouse/gym! More detailsListed by Dexter Realty
- 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®# R2695383
PH2 36 WATER Street Vancouver V6B 0B7
$2,199,800Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2695383
- 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. Open house Sat/Sun, June 4 & 5 from 2pm-4pm More detailsListed by Oakwyn Realty Ltd. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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PH3 36 WATER Street in Vancouver: Downtown VW Condo for sale in "TERMINUS" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2688089
PH3 36 WATER Street Vancouver V6B 0B7
$1,949,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2688089
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,202 sq. ft.
Finally, a PENTHOUSE at sought-after TERMINUS is now available! 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 but stays cool w/AC. Quiet nights in or entertain the night away in your 1200 sqft interior & 1000 sqft of balcony & rooftop decks w/outdoor kitchen and gas hookups. Beautiful & interesting views from every space, inside and out, from water and mountains to historic & vibrant Gastown. The warmth continues w/ H/W floors, Geothermal heating/cooling & Nuheat floors in the baths. Also high-end appliances, powered blinds, mutli-zone speakers inside & out. Just steps to some of the best restaurants, and coolest fashion and design shops in the city. It's all here! More detailsListed by Engel & Volkers Vancouver - 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®# R2695602
4110 128 W CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6B 0E6
$1,628,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2695602
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,166 sq. ft.
These 2 Air-Conditioned Penthouses #10 and #01 on the NorthWest Corner on the 41st floor, overlooking Vancouver's Harbour at the award winning Iconic Woodward's building, can be assembled as one of the most Amazing Penthouses in the City of 2050 sqft or more!! These 2 NW corner Penthouses are side by side and if assembled (subject to strata, city approval) could become over 2,050 sq. ft. Home in "the Sky". Absolutely spectacular living space would have 4 parking spots. Best Views in the city of Vancouver Harbour, North Shore mountains, Lions Gate Bridge, wrap around 270 degrees corner units with 12 Ft ceilings bring lots of light throughout. Maintenance fees include high speed internet, gas, and heating. Heating is not baseboard, it's steam, from Creative energy. More detailsListed by TRG The Residential Group Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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1810 128 W CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VW Condo for sale in "WOODWARDS" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2697069
1810 128 W CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6B 0E6
$1,299,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2697069
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,158 sq. ft.
Stunning panoramic views of Burrard Inlet, North Shore mountains and sparkling city lights. Gorgeous 2 bedroom/2 bath & den w/large patio. Fantastic open plan w/large living room, separate dining area, open den & tons of natural light. Beautifully updated: Arclinea Italian kitchen w/stainless steel drawers & interior drawer lighting. PITT Cima gas burners, Asko integrated d/w, AEG European convection oven/hood fan. Bosch integrated fridge, Iguzzini laserblade recessed lighting. Asko w/d. Entry hall w/space for your art collection! Principal bedroom & ensuite w/glass shower & bath. 2nd bedroom & ensuite w/glass shower. Included: Concierge, high-speed internet, gas, heat, h/w & outstanding amenities. Rooftop club w/indoor/outdoor lounge, media room, hot tub, garden & gym. 2 parking! See virtual tour for daytime photos! More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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605 55 ALEXANDER Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale in "55 Alexander" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2687164
605 55 ALEXANDER Street Vancouver V6A 1B2
$1,288,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2687164
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,172 sq. ft.
VIEWS & a HUGE private terrace make this 2 bedroom/2 bathroom home the perfect urban residence in the heart of downtown. A 300 square foot private terrace complete with a fire pit, overlooking unobstructed views of Canada Place, the harbour & North Shore mountains. Fantastic location !!! This sophisticated, spacious view home features a main floor that boasts near 17ft ceilings & floor to ceiling windows. Polished concrete floors, an open gourmet kitchen, anchored with high end appliances, granite counter tops & generous storage. Underground private parking and large storage room. Pets & rentals allowed with restrictions. More detailsListed by RE/MAX Crest Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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PH503 310 WATER Street in Vancouver: Downtown VW Condo for sale in "The Taylor" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2695945
PH503 310 WATER Street Vancouver V6B 1B6
$1,270,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2695945
- Bedrooms:
- 1
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,200 sq. ft.
Bricks, beams, stunning rooftop and water views at this unique architectural Penthouse Loft. Larger interior space spanning 1200 sq.ft. with extra high 14’8” ceilings. Beautiful old-world elements within this gem of a property. 1 bed + den (2nd bedroom addition potential) ultra high 14’8” ceilings, beautiful restored double-sash windows, brick walls, fir wood floors, and original sandblasted timber beams. Above is a private 487 sq.ft. rooftop patio with scenic ocean and city skyline views. Well maintained building developed by historic specialist developer “Salient” in 2003. A block away from central Downtown Vancouver and major transit Skytrain hub, Waterfront Station. Highly detailed building with a storage locker below, parking can be rented nearby. More detailsListed by RE/MAX Crest Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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4101 128 W CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VW Condo for sale in "Woodwards" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2695589
4101 128 W CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6B 0E6
$1,260,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2695589
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 888 sq. ft.
These 2 Air-Conditioned Penthouses #10 and #01 on the NorthWest Corner on the 41st floor, overlooking Vancouver's Harbour at the award winning Iconic Woodward's building, can be assembled as one of the most Amazing Penthouses in the City of 2050 sqft or more!! These 2 NW corner Penthouses are side by side and if assembled (subject to strata, city approval) could become over 2,050 sq. ft. Home in "the Sky". Absolutely spectacular living space would have 4 parking spots. Best Views in the city of Vancouver Harbour, North Shore mountains, Lions Gate Bridge, wrap around 270 degrees corner units with 12 Ft ceilings bring lots of light throughout. Maintenance fees include high speed internet, gas, and heating. Heating is not baseboard, it's steam, from Creative energy. More detailsListed by TRG The Residential Group Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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503 141 WATER Street in Vancouver: Downtown VW Condo for sale in "The Malkin" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2694372
503 141 WATER Street Vancouver V6B 1A7
$1,250,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2694372
- Bedrooms:
- 1
- Bathrooms:
- 1
- Floor Area:
- 980 sq. ft.
Stunning loft in the historic 'Malkin' building. This unique home has a perfect combination of modern mixed with a true New York-style brick loft. Bright SW corner unit offering plenty of natural light & a Juliette balcony with a glimpse of ocean view, over height recessed ceilings with crown mouldings & huge windows overlooking gorgeous, treed Water St. Recent renovations incl. a sleek kitchen fit with custom millwork and high-end Wolf appliances including a gas range & a custom marble bathroom exuding ultimate luxury. This building is a piece of Vancouver's vital heritage converted in 1996 and is one of the oldest heritage buildings in the city! A private setting w/ excellent security, tall iron gates and a cobblestone courtyard. 1 secure parking & storage. Truly a trophy property. More detailsListed by Engel & Volkers Vancouver - 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 "WOODWARD'S" (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2692021
1909 108 W CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6B 0G5
$1,239,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2692021
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,007 sq. ft.
Multi-million dollar view from this coveted 2 bed 2 bath NW corner unit in Woodward's W32! The ocean & mountain views will stop you in your tracks! No need for art on the walls, this view is a show stopper! Enjoy lounging this summer on your 2 balconies. Modern, sleek finishings, huge island for entertaining, gas cooktop, S/S appliances, stone counters. Master bedroom has large closet & spa inspired bathroom. Views from every room! Club W on the 43rd floor offers 360 degree views of the city/ocean/mountains from gym, lounge, indoor/outdoor kitchen, & hot tub! Best views in the city! Steps to trendy restaurants, lounges, cafes, coffee shops, Canada line train, seawall for amazing ocean side strolling & bike riding. Parking, heat, internet, $10k Murphy Bed included. More detailsListed by RE/MAX Crest Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
