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 Riot
Gastown 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.
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 2 , 000 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 9'11More details
Penthouses ( 4101 and 4110 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 2,000 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 6'9x 4'0More details
One-of-a-kind customized character loft at “Koret Lofts,” one of Vancouver’s most desirable warehouse conversions. Featuring original timber beams, exposed bricks w/endless character in this unique unit, 10’4” ceilings, polished concrete floors & fully upgraded. High-quality Black kitchen w/ gas cooktop, Smeg fridge, gorgeous textured counters, unique restoration style bookshelf/library w/sliding ladder, sleek built-ins, & large washroom encased in original brick which was originally a vault. Countless fine details: dramatic old-world inspired lighting, h/w on demand system, great storage & closet spaces, auto blinds, fitted a/c unit, “fire-escape” balcony for BBQ & plants. Building zoned commerical live/work. Strata allows pets & shorter term furnished rentals, great revenue property.More details
SPECTACULAR VIEWS! This well laid out 2 Bedroom & 2 Bathroom unit showcases unobstructed panoramic Burrard Inlet, North Shore Mountains & Downtown City views from every room. With a spacious living area, stainless steel appliances, an open floor plan, this home as it all. The Woodwards building offers First-Class amenities and a vibrant city lifestyle. Luxurious 2-level indoor Clubhouse and Rooftop Lounge space with Fitness Centre, Hot Tub, Media Room, Office Area & 360 view. Trendy restaurants, shops, and the Skytrain are all just steps away. Internet, heat, hot water & gas are INCLUDED in your maintenance fees. Pets & Rentals OK. One parking LCP. Please call today to arrange your private showing.More details
VIEWS from this corner unit in the Iconic Woodwards. 1,057 sq. ft. 2 bedroom 2 bathroom with a the best layout in the building. Spacious living area with floor to ceiling windows to give you an even larger sense of space and AMAZING panoramic city, ocean and mountain views from every room of the most signature Vancouver view. Bright northeast exposure, primary bedroom includes 4 pc ensuite with walk in shower and soaker tub, second separate bedroom, 3 pc bath, den/storage space, balcony & large parking stall. Club 43 has some of the best amenities available; rooftop fitness centre, jacuzzi, patio, lounge & concierge. Prime Historic Gastown location close to shopping, restaurants & transit. Well maintained, move in now!More details
The PARIS BLOCK, a boutique heritage conversion built by award winning Salient Group, is a collection of 50 sleek, modern, lofts in the heart of Gastown. Unit 607, the premier, designer PENTHOUSE home offers the ultimate in urban living in glass, steel, & concrete: 2 beds & flex, 2 baths, soaring 17' ceilings, polished concrete floors, floor to ceiling windows, & 1,507 sqft of indoor/ outdoor living, including a massive roof top deck, all on the QUIET SIDE of the building, w/ views of City, Water, & Mountains. Luxury is on display throughout this stellar home w/ Euro appliances, stone counters, & spa like baths. W/ secured parking, storage, bike rooms, & a central location close to transit, cafes, shops, & restaurants. Den easily back to 2nd bedroom. OPEN HOUSE SUN FEB 12, 1-3 PM.More details
Built in 1908 and originally named "McLellan and McFeely"Building.The Epitome of Manhattan living. This unit housed the VAULT in the old building offices and as such offers privacy to the Bathroom area not seen in other units. Beautiful heritage conversion loft with polished concrete floors, exposed brick walls, restored double sash windows,ll'high ceilings and stunning fir wood beams. Functional kitchen with stainless steel counters. Suite has 1 underground parking, and building has large courtyard patio area with 2 BBQ's. Live/work zoning allows for many uses.2 pets allows, rental restriction min of 7 days for furnished, 1 year for non-furnished. Live/work zoning.ALSO AVAILABLE NEXT DOOR #215 SO COMBINE 2 SUITS!WHAT AN AMAZING PROJECT THAT WOULD BE!(approx 2000 sq ft combined).More details
2 bedroom, 2 bath unit with unobstructed north views in a characterful warehouse conversion in Gastown has high ceilings, exposed brick & timbers, oak floors, in-suite laundry, a parking spot and a small storage locker. Large windows bring loads of light into the open kitchen/dining/living space. Cozy gas fireplace keeps the area warm when needed. French doors off of the living area access a master Bedroom with 4 piece ensuite bathroom. Second sleeping area has a closet & "cheater ensuite" bathroom. The building has a common rooftop deck with a BBQ. The location is in the heart of Gastown entertainment district with easy walking access to restaurants, bars, arenas, concert halls and downtown business district.More details
Work Loft space in Historic Gastown.cFeely"Built in 1908 and originally named "McLellan and McFeely" b uilding.The Epitome of Manhattan living.This suite features 11' high ceilings, polished concrete flrs. European modular industrial style stainless steel kitchen with AEG oven, gas cooktop, Bosch d/w & LG fridge, walk-through shower. Duravit tub and Porcher sink. A glass partition wall has been added to provide privacy for your large bedroom. other upgrades include a walk-in closet.Immediate possession is 2 pets allowed, rental restriction 7 days min furnished or 1 yr non-furnished. ALSO AVAILABLE FOR SALE IS NEXT DOOR #214 SO COMBINE THE 2 SUITS! WHAT AN AMAZING PROJECT THAT WOULD BE.(APPROX 2000 SQ FT)More details
CALLING GASTOWN SEEKERS - DON'T BE PUT OFF BY THE ADDRESS! In an area of transition, a DEAL AWAITS! Stunning Heritage conversion PARIS BLOCK. Live/work over height ceilings, brick walls, Pella windows, polished concrete floors. Chef's kitchen, wine fridge, gas cooktop & b/in coffee machine. Spa bath, duo vanity, soaker tub & w/i shower. PRIVATE 300 sf rooftop deck w/outdoor kitchen (both accessed by elevator). Miele full size washer/dryer, custom millwork throughout, Multizone B/I speakers & MORE!. Locker and secured bike room. A MUST SEE! FEELS VERY NEW YORK WITH PiDGiN, St. Lawrence, Barbara (Michelin STAR!) right down the street! DON'T BE SHY - YOU CAN DO THIS!!More details