About Vancouver's Gastown

Quest For the Best: Gastown Edition

Neighbourhood Outline

Gastown is one of the most vibrant and historic neighborhoods in Vancouver, and with its old warehouse conversions, and lofts it has become a popular place for artists and entrepreneurs to set up shop in their modern live-work spaces. With plenty of "diamonds in the rough," opportunity is knocking on every corner.

The top three buys for this week's edition of "Quest for the Best" are all located on east Cordova Street. With their exposed break and wooden beams, not only are they architecturally appealing, but they provide ample square footage which can be hard to find in Downtown Vancouver. Loft and warehouse conversion housing isn't for everyone, but have alook at these properties--these hidden gems are definitely worth a quick glance.

THE BEST BUY IN GASTOWN

Address: 55 East Cordova, Unit #215
MLS #: V850219
List Price: $439,000
Size (sq/ft): 921
Price per Sq/ft: $476

The Korets building offers New York Style lofts that have great architectural features such as exposed brick walls, wood beams and an open concept. Restored in 2006 this heritage building offers 118 live-work strata lots.

This specific unit offers a fresh modern space at great value. When you compare the price per square foot to that of other buildings in the area you will find significant savings (the Woodward's building, for example, is priced anywhere from $650-$750 per square foot).

Second Best Buy in Gastown

Address: 55 East Cordova, Unit #320
MLS #:V849237
List Price: $390,000
Size (sq/ft): 832
Price per Sq/ft: $468

Coming in second for this week's quest for the best is another unit in the Korets Loft. This floor plan is different then most of the lofts at Korets (view floor plan here: Korets loft Floor Plan). Its unique reverse "L" shape helps define your spaces which is often a difficult task in a wide open loft space. With the interiors designed by Alda Pereira it is no wonder why the Korets ranks high in this weeks quest for the best.

Third Best Buy in Gastown

Address: 22 East Cordova, Unit #608
MLS #: V848866
List Price: $345,000
Size (sq/ft): 702
Price per Sq/ft: $491

The Van Horne building is an architectural focal point in the area. Built in 1996 the Van Horne building contains 170 strata units. The building is located in the heart of Gastown and is well known for its double height loft space. This dramatic loft is priced to sell at $491 per square foot.

There you have it the inaugural Quest for the Best entry is complete. Next week we will be heading over the bridge to the Fairview Slopes neighbourhood. Until then, shop wisely and do your homework!

If you have any questions or comments about these properties or other communities that you would like to see highlighted in The Quest for the Best Blog email scott@scottdolson.ca or call 778-847-9975

Related Articles:
-The Revival of Gastown (The Province)
-http:///www.mygastown.ca

www.scottdolson.ca

-Landmark Victorian restored (The Vancouver Sun)

Gastown in Vancouver is where old and new work well together.

It is here that you will find large brick buildings, heritage loft conversions and some new condo buildings. There are buildings with lofts and retail stores on the street level that fit the neighbourhood well.

I have watched from year to year as Gastown became more of a livable neighbourhood and now it is a very livable neighbourhood indeed.

Gastown is typically known as a tourist destination, and many come to see the old steam clock or walk the streets to shop. Gastown is also a very lively neighbourhood with a good vibe, that many are happy to call home.

Grocery shopping is an easy walk to the Woodwards building which now houses Nesters Grocery Store. They took a page from the old Woodwards food floor and named and modelled a current Woodwards food floor by Nesters.

Sunrise Market is quite close for your produce needs and T&T Supermarket is also within walking distance.

There are plenty of pubs and restaurants in the area and the Sea-bus station, Sky Train and the Canada Line are close.

If you work in the downtown area, walking or biking to work, or hopping on transit is an option.

The seawall at Coal Harbour is only a short walk away and if you keep going you will reach Stanley Park.

Highlights include:

• Awesome views of the North Shore Mountains
• The Seawall at Coal Harbour nearby
  
• Close to downtown, walk, bike, transit Hook up easily to the bike route
• Canada Line at the Sea-bus station offers great transit access
  
• Chill Winston for lunch, great patio when the sun is shining
  
• Sea-bus to North Vancouver in 15 minutes
• Cork and Fin on Carrall St. Perfect for dinner and great for conversation as the music level is just right.
  
  Contact Jeffrey Sefton if you are buying or selling a home in the Vancouver Real Estate Market.
  
  Jeffrey Sefton
  Macdonald Realty Ltd.
  604-263-1911
  jeffrey@sefton.ca | www.sefton.ca

Vancouver Home & Interior Design Show

This weekend, I attended the fall 2010 Vancouver Home & Interior Design Show. The show this year was held at the new Trade & Convention Centre, a LEED certified building.

The entrance to this new building is amazing, with a giant replica of the world, alight and floating within a glass atrium-like structure. The feeling of space and lightness is wonderful, and a great reception to this year’s show.

Talk about great first impressions! Just outside the doors to the show are several displays by various local furniture and design stores.

Parliament, a relatively new store in Gastown, touts itself as a mecca for anyone who loves modern design. To quote Parliament:

“It’s a crisp, fresh, modern look with an injection of glamour. Our pieces are for people who enjoy open concepts, low profiles, whites, and lots of glass. You can see that inspiration in all of our pieces from tables to bedding to decor. They’re all affordable too.”

I adore the silver sticks in the vase, and can imagine using something similar in my staging designs. Silver adds that little bit of bling and interest.

Orling & Wu is another relatively new store, also located in the Gastown design district. This store carries items sources from Europe and Japan. Their style is more contemporary, European, shabby chic. Some wonderful accessories here – can’t you imagine a spa bathroom with some of these delightful additions?

Parliament

Parliament

Stay tuned for more adventures from the Vancouver Home & Interior Design Show, coming soon…