Older architecture blended with cutting edge food and fashion.
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 had long been Vancouver’s rough diamond. However over the past decade, this vibrant neighbourhood has finally come into its own. Many cutting edge restaurants, fashion boutiques and galleries have made this home, as have many new residents, drawn to the area by its historic architecture and inner city flavour. Unlike Yaletown, Gastown was not a blank slate and the street community is just as much a part of the vibe as all the newly arrived hipsters. Gastown’s appeal relies not only on its architecture, but also on its edge. Its proximity to the Downtown Eastside (Canada’s poorest community) makes this an integral part of its make up.
THE MARKET
Very few multi occupancy buildings in Vancouver pre date 1930. The vast majority of those that remain are found in and around 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. If you like the warehouse style but don’t want to be in the middle of Gastown, the 500 block of Beatty St (aka Crosstown) is well worth considering. The nearest high-rise condominium complexes are Woodwards on Cordova St and International Village on Abbott and Keefer.
