Chinatown Overview
Canada’s largest Chinatown, among the largest in North America, is in the City of Vancouver, British Columbia, in the blocks around Main, Pender, and Keefer Streets with the Gastown and Downtown districts to the west, Downtown Eastside to the north, the residential district of Strathcona to the east, and False Creek to the south. Chinatown remains a popular tourist attraction despite the growth of the newer Chinese immigrant business district in the suburb of Richmond south of Vancouver on Lulu Island in the Fraser River. Many affluent Hong Kong and Taiwan immigrants in Richmond have developed successful Chinese businesses in the area now named Golden Village by the City of Richmond, which once proposed the name “Chinatown” only to encounter strong resistance from the original Chinatown in Vancouver and from non-Chinese Richmond residents and merchants.
Asian Influx
The Greater Vancouver Regional District received large numbers of Asian immigrants during the late 20th Century, primarily Chinese, whose population reached 300,000 by the mid-’90s. More immigrants settled in Richmond than in Vancouver Chinatown for its lower costs of living and closer distance to the Vancouver International Airport. The development of suburban Asian shopping districts with plenty of parking space like Richmond’s Aberdeen Centre, visibly impaired the business heart of historic Chinatown.
Decline
Chinatown businesses today consist mostly of working-class retailers, small groceries, tea shops, and souvenir stores. Some restaurants stand out, but there are no longer so many, and their declining numbers brought less foot traffic and nighttime activity than in former times. The 10-percent Chinatown vacancy rate shows the need for a fresh approach to development to replace businesses that have moved to suburban locations, retired, or simply closed. Redevelopment opportunities are clearly present. Chinatown lease rates from $15–30/square foot are the cheapest in the city, much lower than those in Vancouver’s Downtown shopping district.
The Vancouver Chinatown Business Improvement Area
In the 1990s, the Vancouver Chinatown Merchants Association searched for an effective vehicle for projects to revitalize the area. Gastown and Downtown Vancouver had formed business improvement areas (BIAs) with evident success. With the consent and support of merchants and property owners, the association planned to establish a Chinatown BIA.
After several attempts, the association succeeded in winning the community support necessary establish a Chinatown BIA. The Vancouver Chinatown Business Improvement Area (VCBIA) incorporated in 2000 on a model of BIAs successful in other areas of the city to improve Chinatown’s cleanliness and safety, expand and promote its events, and work with media and external partners to make Chinatown popular and prosperous again. A voluntary board of property owners and tenants manages the VCBIA. The city assists with annual funding through a special property tax like a local improvement levy. Each property’s contribution to the annual BIA budget is according to its proportionate share of the total BIA taxable value.
Information Links:
http://vancouver-chinatown.com
http://vancouver.ca/home-property-development/chinatown-revitalization.aspx
Redevelopment Prospects
A new Chinatown business plan now encourages entrepreneurs to move in to rehabilitate storefronts, attract a young crowd, and make visitors more comfortable. Attracted by low rents and heritage buildings, new businesses have moved in with owners in apartments above the shops. Chinatown’s priority now is to attract people of all backgrounds in the belief that non-traditional stores will bring a new flow of energy and income. Commercial activity is increasingly diverse with vintage stores, two art galleries, bars, and now a nightclub at the location of the former Ming’s restaurant, an attempt to bring back some of the nightlife atmosphere of the 1950s and ’60s. The diversity of new shops and businesses has created a new Chinatown image of vibrancy to compete with suburban districts and complement nearby Gastown and Downtown Vancouver.
New Chinatown Live MLS Listings
Chinatown, Vancouver, BC, Real Estate
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803 239 KEEFER Street in Vancouver: Strathcona Condo for sale in "SPARROW" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2597788
803 239 KEEFER Street Vancouver V0V 0V0 
$1,894,900Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2597788
- Bedrooms:
- 3
- Bathrooms:
- 3
- Floor Area:
- 1,175 sq. ft.
This an awesome 2 bedroom penthouse with deck and a massive roof deck home at SPARROW, beautifully finished modern homes offer the upmost in stunning modern living in the heart of the historical world-famous Vancouver Chinatown. The lantern-inspired architecture of the building reflects positive Zen energy, exceptionally stunning residential homes. Every home at Sparrow has been designed with care and attention to all details, with an underlying commitment to quality custom millwork, European appliances and integrated technology components complement the modern, beautiful and highly functional aesthetic throughout. LIMITED TIME OFFER BUY NOW WITH ONLY 5% DOWN AND MOVE IN SPRING 2022! More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast 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®# 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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665 E CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Strathcona House for sale (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2573594
665 E CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6A 1M1
$1,488,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2573594
- Bedrooms:
- 7
- Bathrooms:
- 3
- Floor Area:
- 2,360 sq. ft.
Character home with view of north shore in East Vancouver, walking distance to Downtown, Gas Town, China Town. 7 Bed room plus 3 bath room, includes 2 bed room basement suits [seperate entrance & laundry], house is good for families who need mortgage helper or investors who wants to run air BNB, Fully renovated in 2018 include roof. MOVE-IN ready. Huge deck perfect for entertaining upstairs and lane access with plenty of parking and the bonus of the tall gate for enhanced security and privacy. Please call to book your private showing. More detailsListed by Luxmore Realty - 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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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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1001 150 E CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale in "Ingastown" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2617279
1001 150 E CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6A 0E7
$1,175,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2617279
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 831 sq. ft.
Bachelors DREAM PAD! 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. Words simply cannot do this home justice. You'll immediately be impressed by this airconditioned residence with polished concrete floors, top of the line kitchen appliances, wine fridge, lovely master suite with custom shower & heated flooring, garage space for 2 vehicles and 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. SATURDAYS OPEN CANCELED! More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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605 239 KEEFER Street in Vancouver: Strathcona Condo for sale in "SPARROW" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2597777
605 239 KEEFER Street Vancouver V0V 0V0
$1,074,900Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2597777
- Bedrooms:
- 1
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 880 sq. ft.
This an awesome 1 bedroom home at SPARROW, beautifully finished modern homes offer the upmost in stunning modern living in the heart of the historical world-famous Vancouver Chinatown. The lantern-inspired architecture of the building reflects positive Zen energy, exceptionally stunning residential homes. Every home at Sparrow has been designed with care and attention to all details, with an underlying commitment to quality custom millwork, European appliances and integrated technology components complement the modern, beautiful and highly functional aesthetic throughout. LIMITED TIME OFFER BUY NOW WITH ONLY 5% DOWN AND MOVE IN SPRING 2022! More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
-
319 HEATLEY Avenue in Vancouver: Strathcona House for sale (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2607005
319 HEATLEY Avenue Vancouver V6A 3G2
$875,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2607005
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 2,615 sq. ft.
A RARE FIND. Downtown income investment property or private home. One of the lowest price home listed in Vancouver. Great income potential. 6 bedroom house at Cordova and Heatley. Roof is approximately 7 years old. Hot water tank and furnace 2-3 years old. The house is 100% freehold and the land is 1/3 undivided interest on lot (3 houses built on a 50' x 120' lot) Each of the 3 homeowners pay 1/3 of the property taxes. CONVENTIONAL BANK FINANCING IS NOT AVAILABLE. MUST BE ALL CASH PURCHASE. More detailsListed by Success Realty & Insurance Ltd - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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612 189 KEEFER Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale in "KEEFER BLOCK" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2623315
612 189 KEEFER Street Vancouver V6A 0C8
$875,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2623315
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 882 sq. ft.
Investor Alert! Modern 2 Bed + Den & 2 Bath CORNER SUITE in Keefer Block by award winning Solterra. Own with pride in this boutique CONCRETE building with European finishes. Ideally laid out with bedrooms on opposite sides of living area - each w/ their own ensuite & large den (possible 3rd bedroom). Open concept living & dining w/ a custom-built island & dining table. Amazing common ROOFTOP DECK, w/ BBQ area, Outdoor Movie Theater, Garden Plots & 360 VIEWS of the mountains, water & city. INVEST in this up-and-coming neighbourhood surrounded by Vancouver’s hottest Restaurants & Bars, walk to SKYTRAIN & SEAWALL, plus upcoming St. Paul's Hospital, False Creek Flats Tech Hub & North East False Creek Park. Pets (max 3) & Rentals Allowed (Airbnb OK). Includes 1 Parking & 1 Locker. More detailsListed by Oakwyn Realty Ltd. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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707 239 KEEFER Street in Vancouver: Strathcona Condo for sale in "SPARROW" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2597782
707 239 KEEFER Street Vancouver V0V 0V0
$739,900Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2597782
- Bedrooms:
- 1
- Bathrooms:
- 1
- Floor Area:
- 604 sq. ft.
This an awesome 1 bedroom home at SPARROW, beautifully finished modern homes offer the upmost in stunning modern living in the heart of the historical world-famous Vancouver Chinatown. The lantern-inspired architecture of the building reflects positive Zen energy, exceptionally stunning residential homes. Every home at Sparrow has been designed with care and attention to all details, with an underlying commitment to quality custom millwork, European appliances and integrated technology components complement the modern, beautiful and highly functional aesthetic throughout. LIMITED TIME OFFER BUY NOW WITH ONLY 5% DOWN AND MOVE IN SPRING 2022! More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
