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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31 120 POWELL Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale in "Pilkington House" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2726406
31 120 POWELL Street Vancouver V6A 1G1 
$2,250,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2726406
- Bedrooms:
- 3
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 2,854 sq. ft.
BOUTIQUE HERITAGE LOFT CONVERSION This heritage building features 2 large suites per floor and a common rooftop patio. There are only 6 residential units, and one ground floor commercial office. Built in 1910, Pilkington House was once used as a glass distribution factory and converted to residential lofts in 1991. This bright NW corner three bedroom home is one of Vancouver's largest lofts at 2854 sq.ft. The suite features concrete floors, exposed brick walls, fireplace, heritage wood beams along with twelve large opening windows on the west side with three more 'hopper' style windows facing north. Two parking spots underground, rentals allowed. Located in the heart of Gastown near fine neighbourhood restaurants, galleries, shopping and cafe's. Unique! Open House Sunday, Oct 9th, 1-3pm More detailsListed by Coldwell Banker Prestige Realty
- Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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801 239 KEEFER Street in Vancouver: Strathcona Condo for sale in "SPARROW" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2648399
801 239 KEEFER Street Vancouver V6A 1X6
$1,949,900Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2648399
- Bedrooms:
- 3
- Bathrooms:
- 1
- Floor Area:
- 1,211 sq. ft.
This awesome 3 bedrooms - 2-bathroom penthouse offers 2 decks and an almost 600 sqft private roof deck! This home offers 9’ ceilings, full height windows and generous walk out patios. The living space features rift cut white oak floors. The kitchens are a chef paradise, stunning white oak and white lacquer cabinets, quartz countertops, undermounted sinks, no touch faucet, seamless Liebherr fridge, AEG European wall over & induction cooktop and Fisher & Paykel dishwasher. The bathrooms feature wall mounted vanity and storage, Silestone Callacutta quartz countertops, Italian stone vanity, LED lighting, rain & hand shower. Beautifully appointed bedroom with well appointed closet. The building features common courtyard outdoor garden for all to enjoy. Storage and underground parking included. LIMITED TIME OFFER BUY NOW WITH ONLY 5% DOWN AND MOVE IN 2022! DISPLAY CENTRE NOW OPEN, BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY. For prices and floorplans go to www.sparrowchinatown.com More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty - 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®# R2648403
803 239 KEEFER Street Vancouver V6A 1X6
$1,849,900Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2648403
- Bedrooms:
- 3
- Floor Area:
- 1,175 sq. ft.
This awesome 3 bedrooms - 2-bathroom penthouse offers 2 decks and nearly 600 sqft private roof deck! This home offers 9’ ceilings, full-height windows and generous walk out patios. The living space features rift-cut white oak floors. The kitchens are a chef's paradise; stunning white oak and white lacquer cabinets, quartz countertops, under-mounted sinks, no-touch faucet, seamless Liebherr fridge, AEG European wall-over & induction cooktop and Fisher & Paykel dishwasher. The bathrooms feature wall-mounted vanity and storage, Silestone Calacatta quartz countertops, Italian stone vanity, LED lighting, rain & hand shower. Beautifully appointed bedroom with well-appointed closet. The building features common outdoor courtyard garden for all to enjoy. Storage and underground parking included. LIMITED TIME OFFER BUY NOW WITH ONLY 5% DOWN AND MOVE IN 2022! DISPLAY CENTRE NOW OPEN, BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY. For prices and floorplans go to www.sparrowchinatown.com More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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618 JACKSON Avenue in Vancouver: Strathcona Townhouse for sale in "JACKSON STRATA" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2726910
618 JACKSON Avenue Vancouver V6A 3B7
$1,699,900Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2726910
- Bedrooms:
- 4
- Bathrooms:
- 3
- Floor Area:
- 2,073 sq. ft.
Come and view this Classically beautiful 4 bed 2.5 bath townhouse including 1 bed 1 bath basement Mortgage helper! Stylishly renovated in 2018 including full kitchen upgrade and top two bathrooms, it keeps all of the old world charm and brings it up to modernity. New appliances include Fisher Paykel and Electrolux washer/dryer also updated in 2018. The rooftop, with included BBQ and furniture, is the perfect space to entertain or relax with wonderful views of the city. The interior offers lots of cabinet space, a large kitchen with quartz countertops and stylishly updated lighting fixtures. Extremely convenient location close to downtown and the vibrant strathcona area. Proactive small strata. Street parking readily available. More detailsListed by RE/MAX All Points 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®# R2705820
518 E CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6A 1L7
$1,449,999Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2705820
- Bedrooms:
- 9
- Bathrooms:
- 3
- Floor Area:
- 2,769 sq. ft.
INVESTORS & DEVELOPERS ALERT!! This Character home offers a great opportunity for a renovation project with development potential within Downtown Eastside Plan!! The home currently offers 9 bed/ 3 bath with a functional layout & back lane access. After some renovations, this home will offer great rental income potential while you hold the property and capitalize on the FUTURE DEVELOPMENT potential. This property falls within the DEOD Sub-Area 2 zoning bylaw allows up to a 4.5 FSR or possible 5.0 FSR through rezoning via the Downtown Eastside Plan. CALL NOW TO ARRANGE YOUR SHOWING!! More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty (Surrey/24) - 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®# R2661290
605 239 KEEFER Street Vancouver V6A 1X6
$1,125,800Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2661290
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 1
- Floor Area:
- 880 sq. ft.
This is an awesome 2 bedroom & den at SPARROW, this amazing home offers 9’ ceilings, full-height windows and generous walk out patios. The living space features rift-cut white oak floors. The kitchens are a chef's paradise, stunning white oak and white lacquer cabinets, quartz countertops, under-mounted sinks, no-touch faucet, seamless Liebherr fridge, AEG European wall over & induction cooktop and Fisher & Paykel dishwasher. The bathrooms feature wall-mounted vanity and storage, Silestone Calacatta quartz countertops, Italian stone vanity, LED-lighting, rain & hand shower. Beautifully appointed bedroom with well-appointed closet. The building features common outdoor courtyard garden for all to enjoy. Parking and storage included. LIMITED TIME OFFER BUY NOW WITH ONLY 5% DOWN AND MOVE IN 2022! DISPLAY CENTRE NOW OPEN, BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY. For prices and floorplans visit us at www.sparrowchinatown.com More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty - 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 in "SPARROW" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2661133
505 239 KEEFER Street Vancouver V6A 1X6
$1,108,800Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2661133
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 1
- Floor Area:
- 880 sq. ft.
This is an awesome 2 bedroom home at SPARROW, beautifully finished modern home offers the utmost in stunning modem 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 beautifully modern and highly functional aesthetic throughout. You will love this home. LIMITED TIME OFFER BUY NOW WITH ONLY 5% DOWN AND MOVE IN 2022! DISPLAY CENTRE NOW OPEN, BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY. For prices and floorplans visit us at www.sparrowchinatown.com More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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214 55 E CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale in "KORET LOFTS" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2725968
214 55 E CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6A 0A5
$1,049,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2725968
- Bedrooms:
- 1
- Bathrooms:
- 1
- Floor Area:
- 1,136 sq. ft.
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 detailsListed by Royal LePage Sussex - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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215 55 E CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Downtown VE Condo for sale in "KORET LOFTS" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2726025
215 55 E CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6A 0A5
$995,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2726025
- Bedrooms:
- 1
- Bathrooms:
- 1
- Floor Area:
- 928 sq. ft.
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 detailsListed by Royal LePage Sussex - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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303 557 E CORDOVA Street in Vancouver: Strathcona Condo for sale in "Cordovan" (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2726581
303 557 E CORDOVA Street Vancouver V6A 1L8
$949,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2726581
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 3
- Floor Area:
- 1,076 sq. ft.
Sexy elevated townhome with private rooftop deck! Welcome to Cordovan by Boffo! Super city home w modern sleek finishes on 3rd level overlooking common courtyard, this terrific city home boasts over-height ceilings on the main floor with open concept living dining room showcasing great mountain views from lrg picture windows, galley kitchen, and super den / pantry plus powder room, laminate floor throughout, in-suite laundry. 2nd floor boasts lrg primary bedroom w ensuite walk-in rain shower, plus great 2nd bdrm w dedicated extra bathroom. Massive rooftop deck sporting city/mountain/water views! Gated and secure entry and courtyard. BONUS 50 Sq foot storage room right next to an extra wide prime parking spot. Perfect home for the urban family or investor. OPEN HOUSE SAT 12-2PM (Oct 8) More detailsListed by Engel & Volkers Vancouver - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
