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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40 133 KEEFER Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale in "The Keefer" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2635165
40 133 KEEFER Street Vancouver V6A 1X3 
$2,400,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2635165
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 3
- Floor Area:
- 2,557 sq. ft.
Welcome to The Keefer, one of Vancouver's most exclusive boutique buildings. This one-of-a-kind residence is located in the pulse of the historic Chinatown and was originally built in 1910 and restored and converted in 2009. This unit is an extremely rare find with private elevator access directly to your suite, spanning over the entire 4th floor and boasting over 2,550 SF of living space with an open concept floor plan perfect for entertaining. Built with unparalleled attention to detail, some of the finishings include, a Bulthaup Kitchen, Dual Sub-Zero Fridges, Miele Appliances, Wine Fridge, Custom Home Audio/Visual System and Wide-Plank White Oak Flooring. The building is in pristine condition. This truly is a one of a kind opportunity to own in one of Vancouver's most iconic buildings. Open Houses: Sat + Sun Nov. 27th + 28th 2-4pm More detailsListed by Century 21 In Town Realty and Angell, Hasman & Associates (Eric Christiansen) Realty Ltd.
- Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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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 3 bedroom penthouse with deck and a massive roof deck home with parking 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! DISPLAY CENTER NOW OPEN, BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY. 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
$1,578,000Residential 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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518 E CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Strathcona House for sale (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2641095
518 E CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6A 1L7
$1,149,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2641095
- Bedrooms:
- 9
- Bathrooms:
- 3
- Floor Area:
- 2,769 sq. ft.
The cheapest single detach home in Vancouver. This 3 level character home belongs to a non-profit society which can be turned into a gem with your renovation ideas. It features 9 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, character wood windows and doors, some stain glass windows, piano room, secured gated backyard. It can be restored to its original glory. It is also an excellent income generator. The home will be sold as is where is. House information must be verified. Photos not available. More detailsListed by Sutton Group - 1st West 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 2 bedroom & den home with parking 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! DISPLAY CENTER NOW OPEN, BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY. More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty - 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! DISPLAY CENTER NOW OPEN, BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY. More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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501 239 KEEFER Street in Vancouver: Strathcona Condo for sale in "SPARROW" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2597758
501 239 KEEFER Street Vancouver V0V 0V0
$699,900Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2597758
- Bedrooms:
- 1
- Bathrooms:
- 1
- Floor Area:
- 577 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! DISPLAY CENTER NOW OPEN, BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY. More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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603 239 KEEFER Street in Vancouver: Strathcona Condo for sale in "SPARROW" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2597769
603 239 KEEFER Street Vancouver V0V 0V0
$674,900Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2597769
- Bedrooms:
- 1
- Bathrooms:
- 1
- Floor Area:
- 539 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! DISPLAY CENTER NOW OPEN, BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY. More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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601 219 E GEORGIA Street in Vancouver: Strathcona Condo for sale in "THE FLATS" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2617482
601 219 E GEORGIA Street Vancouver V6A 1Z6
$649,900Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2617482
- Bedrooms:
- 1
- Bathrooms:
- 1
- Floor Area:
- 660 sq. ft.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS! RULE #1. live an authentic life. ROLL CALL: genuine hipsters, minimalists & original individuals only. The FLATS building is one of kind architecture design that is woven deep into Vancouver's rich history. This RARE street view upper unit features 9ft ceilings, floor to ceiling windows with Juliet balconies equipped with massive roller doors that connects you to the vibrant energy of historic Chinatown, a sleek kitchen with integrated high-end appliances and ample built-in storage. Fast forward a few years and the new St. Paul's hospital will add to the energy pulse! TO TOP THINGS OFF, MAXIMUM FLEXIBILITY IS OFFERED AS THIS RESIDENCE CAN EASILY BE USED AS A SUPER POSH SHORT TERM RENTAL INVESTMENT WHEN YOUR TRAVELLING THE WORLD. More detailsListed by RE/MAX Real Estate Services - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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615 188 KEEFER Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2638756
615 188 KEEFER Street Vancouver V6A 0E3
$629,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2638756
- Bedrooms:
- 1
- Bathrooms:
- 1
- Floor Area:
- 561 sq. ft.
Concrete building located in the heart of vibrant Chinatown & built by famous Westbank in 2016. This east-facing 1 Bed & Den unit features floor to ceiling windows, quartz countertops, Miele stainless steel appliances and sleek cabinetry with lots of counter space. Engineered hardwood floors throughout. Walking distance to two Skytrain stations. Conveniently located near transit, Costco, T&T, Chinatown and all the wonderful restaurants closeby. Great amenities include social/party room, outdoor BBQ area with fireplace, gardens, play area for kids and exercise center. Den has its own window. One storage locker. Pets and rental allowed! More detailsListed by Jovi Realty Inc. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
