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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205 55 E CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale in "Koret Lofts" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2868527
205 55 E CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6A 0A5 
$799,999Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2868527
- Bedrooms:
- 1
- Bathrooms:
- 1
- Floor Area:
- 973 sq. ft.
Welcome to Koret Lofts in beautiful Gastown. If you are looking for a truly bespoke one bed and den live/work loft in Downtown Vancouver, then look no further. Originally built in 1906, completely restored & updated for residential living in 2006. Live or build your dream office in this 973 sqft open concept style layout; boasting 10'5 ceilings, polished concrete floors, exposed brick walls/wooden beams and an abundance of storage. Enjoy cooking and entertaining in a high-end kitchen, including full stainless steel appliances, counter tops, shelving and a gas range. If you're not up for entertaining, simply walk across the street to enjoy some of Vancouver's most desired cafes, restaurants and shops. Don't miss your chance and book your private showing today! More detailsListed by RE/MAX Crest Realty
- Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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209 55 E CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale in "KORET LOFTS" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2846781
209 55 E CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6A 0A5
$799,900Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2846781
- Bedrooms:
- 1
- Bathrooms:
- 1
- Floor Area:
- 725 sq. ft.
Bonus $524,808 assumable mortgage at 1.74% until Dec 11, 2025 and 1 parking.. Welcome to sought after historic warehouse conversion, perfectly located amongst Vancouver's best restaurants, boutiques & vibrant culture. You'll love coming home to this open plan 721sq ft loft full of period features from its former life including: lOOyr flr beams, over height ceilings, exposed brick walls & polished concrete floors. Modem comforts throughout, featuring spa inspired walk in shower, spacious living room, chefs kitchen complete w gas range, storage galore. Outside you will find the newly refurnished courtyard, ideal for BBQs & summer nights. Quite possibly the best multi zoned property in town offering live/work, commercial..Open House,Sat/Sun, Feb 10/11,1-3pm More detailsListed by Macdonald Realty Westmar - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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1005 150 E CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale in "InGastown" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2871584
1005 150 E CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6A 0E7
$799,900Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2871584
- Bedrooms:
- 1
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 780 sq. ft.
Calling all PENTHOUSE + PRIVATE ROOFTOP lovers! Welcome to "InGastown" a concrete building at the border of Gastown. You won't be disappointed, check this out: an extra large & bright open floor plan made of a 1 bedroom and a copious den amounting to 780sft. Brushed concrete floor throughout + large floor to ceiling windows and 2 full bathrooms, the spacious den could easily be your 2nd bedroom with its California closet & luxurious custom made "Resource" wall-bed; bright primary bed w/walk through closet + in-suite bath! The kitchen offers numerous sleek white cabinetry, integrated appliances & under-mount lights + a moveable island. Modern glass-wall stairway leading you to your fab rooftop deck with its grassy area & delightful North Shore Mountain views! Cats & dogs OK (2 of each), Rentals OK (min. 3 months). Waterfront station 10mn walk away, Chinatown, Strathcona, Gastown at your doorstep. MORE BONUSES: 1 SECURE PARKING + 1 STORAGE. Check our video! Open House Saturday April 20, 1pm-3pm. More detailsListed by Keller Williams Realty VanCentral - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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601 168 POWELL Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2853756
601 168 POWELL Street Vancouver V6A 0B2
$799,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2853756
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 1
- Floor Area:
- 985 sq. ft.
Super functional 2 bedroom + large den in the SMART building in Gastown. Designed by architects Busby Perkins 6 Will, SMART brings a modern, bright, European feel to Gastown. This almost 1,000 Sq Ft corner home offers spacious living that suites multiple preferences. Huge open concept den can function as a separate living space, office, play room, or can be sectioned off for a more private space. Large primary bedroom with unique gastown corridor views, and a bright, open dining and living. Kitchen features clean lines and sleek white cabinets, built in oven and ceramic cooktop. Perfect for living or investing, and great Downtown Vancouver Value, Steps to shops, restaurants, cafes in Gastown and easy access to all that Downtown has to offer. More detailsListed by Rennie & Associates Realty Ltd. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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201 150 ALEXANDER Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale in "MISSION HOUSE" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2865714
201 150 ALEXANDER Street Vancouver V6A 1B5
$799,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2865714
- Bedrooms:
- 1
- Bathrooms:
- 1
- Floor Area:
- 916 sq. ft.
Rarely available at Mission House in Gastown. Spacious 1-bedroom + Den at 916 sqft, recently renovated with brand new appliances. Expansive and versatile living space allows flexibility in furniture arrangements, making it an ideal space for both entertaining and relaxation. Abundance of natural light streams through large windows. Surrounded by an array of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Convenient access to public transportation. Recent building upgrades: including repointed brickwork, new windows, and doors. Pet friendly and rental allowed. Amazing Home for Investment or to Live in! Won't last long - Book your private showing today. Open House Saturday Apr 13 2-4PM More detailsListed by Coldwell Banker Prestige Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
