Welcome to Gastown, a neighbourhood full of all the colour, life and spirit of a truly urban community. Just steps from the downtown business direct, Gastown is Vancouver's rough diamond. Attempts have been made for over 20 years to shine this jewel up to its full potential and already it has come a long way. Water Street, with its brick cobbled paving and quirky steam clock, is on every tourist's "must see list".

Many fine restaurants, fashion boutiques and galleries have made this home, as have many residents, drawn to the area by its unspoiled architecture and vibrant inner city flavour. Others however are concerned by its proximity to the Downtown Eastside and the problems that exist therein. Two key factors that will affect Gastown's long-term future are the fate of its undeveloped waterfront and the revitalization of West Hastings St spearheaded by the newly completed Woodwards project. Resolution of these issues could be the catalyst that finally allows this area to fulfill its undoubtedly enormous potential.    

Property Profile

Very few multi occupancy buildings in Vancouver pre date 1930. The vast majority of those that remain are found in Gastown. Most are still zoned for commercial use but since the 80's, several have been converted to residential strata "loft-style" residences. Many young first time buyers are attracted by open concept character living, as are those looking for larger loft spaces (1500 - 3000 square feet) which are unique to Gastown. Most are congregated within a block of "Gassy Jack", where Powell St, Alexander St, Water St, and Carrall all converge. The nearest high-rise condominium complexes are Woodwards on Cordova St and International Village on Abbott and Keefer.       

Featured Buildings

Captain French, 41 Alexander St. Lots of street appeal to this dark brick heritage conversion. Big views (safer than most) north across the railway tracks, city park, and Burrard Inlet to the mountains beyond. Internally original beams and exposed brick, many with hardwood floors. Units 600 - 2000 sq ft approx.

SEARCH CAPTAIN FRENCH

550 Beatty St. Previously overlooked because of its location just outside Gastown and Yaletown but now in the heart of “Crosstown”, Gastown’s new neighbour. Converted in 1983 before the loft idea had really taken off in Vancouver. Larger rooms than most, variable ceiling heights, exposed brick. Some units have been customized - others are ready for new ideas.

SEARCH 550 BEATTY

Malkin Building 137/141 Water St. 15 expansive suites many with water/mountain view arguably the best positioned strata buildings being on Water St and two blocks further west. Each unit is unique, many now substantially customized. 800 - 3000 square feet plus decks.       

SEARCH MALKIN

Links and Tips 

Parks/Recreation

• Crab Park - waterfront city park on 99 year lease, set to be linked to the community by a pedestrian bridge and the Carrall St greenway.

Shopping

• Water Street - restaurants, clubs, bars, cafes, galleries, tourism


• Tinseltown - TNT supermarket, Tinseltown mall/Cineplex just 2 blocks south of the heritage district


• Woodwards on Hastings - Nesters, London Drugs.

Outside Links

• Virtual Vancouver


• Union Gospel Mission

Duncan's Tips

• Restaurant - Boneta, 1 W Cordova


• Restaurant - Cobre, 52 Powell St.


• Restaurant/bar - The Irish Heather, 217 Carrall St.


• Restaurant/bakery - Brioche, 401 West Cordova St.


• Restaurant - Alibi Room, 157 Alexander St.


• Restaurant - Chambar, 562 Beatty St.


• Restaurant - Chill Winston, 3 Alexander St.


• Restaurant - Incendio, 103 Columbia St.


• Restaurant - Jules, 216 Abbott St.


• Restaurant - Wild Rice, 117 West Pender St.


• Butcher/Cafe - Save-On-Meats, 43 West Hastings St