The West End neighbourhood of the Canadian City of Vancouver in British Columbia is the area from Burrard Street west to Stanley Park at the extremity of the downtown peninsula and from West Georgia Street south to False Creek and English Bay. Adjacent neighbourhoods are Downtown east of Burrard Street and Coal Harbor north of Georgia.
History
The first area land purchasers planned in 1862 to mine for porcelain clays and establish a brickworks, but the local clay was unsuitable for that purpose. With the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway, however, the West End soon became Vancouver’s first wealthy neighbourhood of rich railroad families along Georgia Street. As the city grew, the West End became a transitory place for new arrivals from elsewhere in Canada, the United Kingdom, and later other countries, establishing a neighbourhood history and tradition of diversity.
The rich moved on to Shaughnessy and other neighbourhoods early in the 20th century as new development brought in a more middle-class, transient population. Mansions converted to rooming houses, low-rise apartments appeared, and shops sprang up along the streetcar lines on Davie, Denman, and Robson streets. Following the Second World War, a significant German business community took root along Robson Street, “Robsonstrasse” in marketing parlance. The West End’s skyline soared in the ‘60s and early ’70s, when developers built 220 high-rise apartments in 13 years.
In 2001 the densely populated West End had 42,120 residents, 12 percent of whom were single-parent families compared to 17 percent for the entire city. The census population was 44,543 in 2011, a small decline from 44,556 in 2006. From 1971 to 2011, West End population increased by 19 percent as city overall population increased by 42 percent. At 48 percent, the 20–39 age group is the largest at a proportion much higher than that for the city overall, 34 percent. The neighbourhood has two elementary schools and a high school.
Amenities and Attractions
Parks and beaches are abundant around and throughout the West End. English Bay Beach is thronged during the annual summer Celebration of Light fireworks display. Stanley Park with 1,000 mostly forested acres is one of North America’s largest urban parks. Entirely encircled by the Seawall, a paved path that begins Downtown and follows the coast around Stanley Park through the West End and around False Creek to Granville Island for rollerblading, cycling, jogging, or pleasant walking, the park also has many miles of inland trails crisscrossing in every direction. The Vancouver Aquarium and a miniature railway attract many of Stanley Park’s 8 million annual visitors. At the northern end of the Park, Prospect Point provides spectacular vistas of the Lions Gate Bridge to the North Shore of the Burrard Inlet.
Another West End Real Estate Boom?
According to the Colliers Spring 2014 LandShare Report on rezoning and development applications in Metro Vancouver, a new community plan has raised development potential in the West End neighbourhood, which may be on the verge of a dramatic expansion of real estate density. The report points to recent purchases of two properties as the first of many probable high-value West End transactions since the community plan relaxed density restrictions in the Georgia Street corridor to permit maximum heights of 500 feet.
A true magnum opus - the collaboration of a century where the best of the East and West came together. The collaboration between ???(Kengo Kuma) and Ian Gillespie. The landmark building sits on the prestigeous Alberni corridor with stunning views of Stanley Park, English Bay, and the magnificent city view. This unit includes 2 parking spaces, a one of a kind Japanese Soaker Tub on the balcony, access to a Michelin two star Japanese Chef's 26 seater private dining restaurant. Located on the 35th floor this unit offers the best value. Units on Floors 36 and above were sold for over 8MM per unit minimum. Take this opportunity to live on top of the most sought-after address in Vancouver.More details
Shangri-La Private Estates is the Epitome of prestige & luxury over 61 storeys. This stunning corner home with unsurpassed quality is atop the city on the 49th floor. Sprawling to almost 2700 sf, this 2 bed + 2.5 bath estate features a spacious & open floor plan to maximize the breathtaking & unobstructed views of English Bay, Stanley Park & the North Shore Mountains which can be enjoyed from every room and your terrace. Large living areas with oversized bedrooms, walk-in closets & stunning ensuites. Made for entertaining with an open styled kitchen by Boffi, SubZero, and Miele. Enjoy the convenience of 5-star hotel amenities including Chi The Spa, and Jean Georges Market the Restaurant.More details
A new stunning landmark in the heart of Downtown Vancouver by Japanese architect master Kengo Kuma. Developed by Westbank and all units SOLD OUT. Described as nothing less than spectacular! this 2 bed, 2 bath unit has the best layout of the building and complete with its own private inner Japanese garden on balcony. Facing northeast this home takes advantage of sweeping ocean & mountain views & floor to ceiling window. Residences will enjoy luxurious amenities & services such as 24 hour concierge, private wine tasting room, art gallery, listening, music room, fitness centre & indoor swimming pool. Building under construction. Estimated completion is 2021/2022. Hurry up & take this ownership without hesitation!More details
SPECTACULAR VIEW HOME AT THE LUXURIOUS SHANGRI-LA PRIVATE ESTATES. Panoramic views over English Bay and Downtown Vancouver will take your breath away. An architectural achievement, this iconic building boasts 61 storeys and the suite has over 2400 sf with nearly 40 feet wide floor to ceiling views! This impressive residence features a grand foyer, high-end appliances in the kitchen, 10 ' ceils, beautiful onyx floor everywhere & electric blinds. Two parking & two storage lockers. A pleasure to show!More details
Welcome to Mirabel: A collection of refined estate homes and penthouse residences by Marcon. This contemporary Sub-Penthouse boasts 3 beds/3.5 baths w/ 2 expansive balconies to soak in the stunning views of English Bay. Mirabel was designed in partnership with Henriquez Partners Architects to highlight the dramatic views afforded by this sought-after location. Kitchen is a chef's dream w/ modern, matte-finish Italian cabinetry by Armony Cucine & top of the line appliances incl. Wolf gas cooktop + wall oven w/ Sub-Zero integrated fridge. Sink into the deep soaker tub by Victoria + Albert made from volcanic limestone while enjoying the minimalist ensuite design w/ Italian marble throughout. High-efficiency heating + air conditioning system for year-round comfort. 2 parking 1 storage.More details
Listed by Rennie & Associates Realty Ltd.
and Rennie Marketing Systems