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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20-50 133 - 135 KEEFER Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Fourplex for sale (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2562989
20-50 133 - 135 KEEFER Street Vancouver V6A 1X3 
$12,795,000Multifamily- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2562989
- Bedrooms:
- 8
- Bathrooms:
- 12
- Floor Area:
- 10,210 sq. ft.
CBRE is pleased to present the rare opportunity to acquire a luxury multifamily asset, with commercial at grade, in Vancouver's Chinatown district. The asset consists of four luxury residential units and one commercial unit that is currently tenanted by a cocktail bar. The property will be leased, providing a reliable income stream from the current lease agreements and owner leasebacks. There is flexibility for a buyer to occupy one unit as a private residence. The penthouse suite has a full rooftop patio with a pool, hot tub, outdoor kitchen, and many other amenities. The property has achieved strong revenue from short term rentals, executive rentals, filming revenue, and other supplementary income. More detailsListed by CBRE Limited
- Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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802 239 KEEFER Street in Vancouver: Strathcona Condo for sale (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2561346
802 239 KEEFER Street Vancouver V0V 0V0
$1,794,900Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2561346
- Bedrooms:
- 3
- Bathrooms:
- 3
- Floor Area:
- 1,137 sq. ft.
Welcome to Sparrow; a rare Vancouver address! This beautiful townhome style 3 bed, 2.5 bath penthouse features 9' ceilings throughout, a private rooftop deck with 360 views of Vancouver and one parking stall. This home also comes standard with 30' premium European appliances, stunning seamless quartz countertops, custom wardrobe with LED integrated lighting and La Scala Integrated Technology. This two bedroom plus den features 9' ceilings throughout, floor to ceiling windows & patio doors and engineered white oak hardwood flooring. Amenities include a courtyard garden, rooftop patio with stunning views of downtown and North Shore Mountains, bike work room and more. More detailsListed by Rennie & Associates Realty Ltd. and Rennie Marketing Systems - 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®# R2570496
273 COLUMBIA Street Vancouver V6A 2R5
$1,488,800Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2570496
- 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 OK. More detailsListed by RE/MAX Crest 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:
- 5
- 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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PH 5 188 KEEFER Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2572327
PH 5 188 KEEFER Street Vancouver V6A 0E3
$1,349,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2572327
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 3
- Floor Area:
- 990 sq. ft.
Beautiful two-level penthouse apartment with magnificent water view. Built by renowned developer Westbank Corp., This lovely unit has two bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms, each floor has a generous sized walkout balcony for taking in the gorgeous sunsets. The suite comes with two side by side parking spots equipped with electric vehicle high capacity charger. High end appliances and cabinets. Extra upgrades include heated floors in the kitchen and bathrooms, built-in wall unit, desk and closet organizers. Walking distance to Sun Yat Sen garden and Rogers arena. Move in and enjoy this vibrant area! More detailsListed by Macdonald Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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PH8 188 KEEFER Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale in "188 Keefer" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2556027
PH8 188 KEEFER Street Vancouver V6A 0E3
$1,225,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2556027
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 3
- Floor Area:
- 1,004 sq. ft.
Incredible 2 level PENTHOUSE with stunning VIEWS! Floor to ceiling windows allow an abundance of natural light throughout this corner, SE facing unit. Main floor ft. powder room w/ large storage, an open concept gourmet kitchen w/ new upgraded stone counter tops, Miele appliances, gas cook-top, 2 built in side by side fridge/freezer, New full size LG Steam washer/dryer & hardwood floors. A $45,000 custom glass built in 1,000 bottle wine cellar situated in the living room makes this home an entertainers dream! Step right out onto your 380 sqft patio, BBQ & enjoy breathtaking Mountain & City views. Top floor features a large master w/ skyline views & large en-suite. Second bedroom w/ access to 104 sqft patio! 2 HUGE parking stalls & storage locker. Call for your private showing. More detailsListed by Oakwyn Realty Ltd. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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505 239 KEEFER Street in Vancouver: Strathcona Condo for sale (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2561303
505 239 KEEFER Street Vancouver V0V 0V0
$1,059,900Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2561303
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 880 sq. ft.
Welcome to Sparrow; a rare Vancouver address! Every home comes standard with premium European appliances, stunning seamless quartz countertops, custom wardrobe with LED integrated lighting and La Scala Integrated Technology. This two bedroom plus den features 9' ceilings throughout, floor to ceiling windows & patio doors and engineered white oak hardwood flooring. Amenities include a courtyard garden, rooftop patio with stunning views of downtown and North Shore Mountains, bike work room and more. More detailsListed by Rennie & Associates Realty Ltd. and Rennie Marketing Systems - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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1901 188 KEEFER Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale in "188 Keefer" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2564951
1901 188 KEEFER Street Vancouver V6A 0E3
$998,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2564951
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 938 sq. ft.
VIEW property at Westbank's 188 Keefer St. This rarely available SUBPH 2Bed/2 Bath open concept corner condo offers a unique floorplan and unobstructed views from every part of the home. The high end kitchen features Miele integrated appliances and a gas range. From the main living space and the 134sqft Patio you have a panoramic outlook of False Creek, Downtown, Chinatown, the mountains and water. The generous sized bedrooms are on opposite sides of the condo for maximum privacy and the master features a walk through closet and double sink ensuite. This pet and rental friendly building is a 97 Walk Score to the Skytrain, Seawall, Rogers Arena and many fabulous restaurants. Includes 1 pkg spot beside 2 oversized storage lockers. Strata fee includes heat. Call now as this one won't last! More detailsListed by Macdonald Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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810 168 POWELL Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale in "SMART" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2568560
810 168 POWELL Street Vancouver V6A 0B2
$949,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2568560
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,030 sq. ft.
RARE 2 LEVEL 2 BEDROOM PENTHOUSE with breathtaking Views of the Ocean, North Shore Mountains and Canada Place from the comfort of your Private 500 sf ROOF TOP DECK! Spacious light filled Bedroom boasting view from every window & conveniently situated on 2 levels maximizing privacy. Designer inspired bathrooms on each level . Contemporary kitchen with premium appliances make your everyday cooking a breeze. Enjoy views of the iconic Harbour Centre & the best unobstructed Vancouver Skyline views from a smartly designed living . Smart is a Concord Pacific quality built concrete tower to give you peace of mind. Be a part of the historic sough-after ever growing GASTOWN community, surrounded by some of the top award winning restaurants and lounges you don't want to miss.April 25 1pm-2pm by appt More detailsListed by Multiple Realty Ltd. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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639 E GEORGIA Street in Vancouver: Mount Pleasant VE 1/2 Duplex for sale (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2574954
639 E GEORGIA Street Vancouver V6A 2A2
$899,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2574954
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 897 sq. ft.
Welcome home to this charming half duplex in Mt. Pleasant. This home offers open living on the main floor with a modern fireplace, wet bar, and french doors opening onto your garden patio, perfect for BBQing and Entertaining. As you head upstairs, you're welcomed by a bright sunny balcony and vaulted ceilings in both bedrooms with closets fitted by California Closets. An attached garage, in-suite laundry, jetted ensuite bathtub, and security system are all offerings of the home. A desirable and trendy neighborhood on a bike route- steps away from parks, schools, cafes, restaurants, and shops. Available to view by private showings | Open Sat & Sun by appointment | Offers to be submitted on Monday, May 10th at 2 pm. More detailsListed by Oakwyn Realty Ltd. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
