Scott Dolson

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)

Quest for the Best: Fairview Edition

Neighbourhood Profile

Fairview has long since been a popular place to reside for young families, professionals and older couples that have downsized and want to be closer to all the action. With three bridges to the downtown core (Granville, Burrard and Cambie street bridges) it is hard to find a place with better access to downtown without actually living downtown.

Fairview tends to offer more parks and green space then its downtown counterpart. The area is world renowned for its Granville Island Market. Granville Islands strong artistic influence is felt by tourists and residents alike. With a bustling farmers market and fresh fish at the docks you will not go hungry here. The artistic influence of the area goes beyond food and crafts as strong interior design hub is being established in the area.. With Businesses such as Kelly Deck Design, Klondike contracting, Casa home décor and with talks of revamp home staging setting up in the area the interior design world is alive and well in Fairview.

Neighbourhood Sales Stats (last 30 days)

Other Notable Fairview Facts

-Major redevelopment of the area occurred in the 70s
-First Phase of Granville Island Public Market opened in 1979
- South Shore of False Creek is largely City Owned.

Third Best Buy in Fairview

Address: 1468 West 14th, Unit# 602 MLS #: V856778 List Price: $968,000 Size (Sq/ft): 1223 Price per Sq/ft: $791

Comeing in third for this edition of Quest for the best is a large 2 bedroom and 2 bathroom luxury condo. Although the $968,000 price tag may seem high, other luxury condos in the area are asking $1,398,000 for 1336 square feet which equates to a $1,046 price tag per square foot. So there is value to be had in this luxury market. With sweeping views and an open floor plan this will make a great home for anyone looking to downsize from a detached house and get closer to the city.

Second Best Buy in Fairview

Address: 2965 Fir Street, Unit #202 MLS #: V854707 List Price: $439,000 Size (sq/ft): 813 Price per Sq/ft: $539

Great value you to be had in this second floor Fairview condo. Your dollar goes even further here as this unit is priced $30,000 lower than the last comparable sale in the building. The only thing holding this unit out of the top spot for this week is that fact that it is located on the second floor and thereby resulting in a lack luster view. However I would not let that deter you from considering this home as it does have a lot to offer at an extremely competitive price point Overall it's a good building in a good location and a great buy.

THE BEST BUY IN FAIRVIEW

Address: 511 West 7th Ave, Unit # 212 MLS #: V855659 List Price: $488,000 Size (sq/ft): 710 Price per Sq/ft: $546

This fully rain screened building offers you peace of mind. It is listed below the neighbourhoods average SALE price per square foot so there is tremendous value in the numbers here. Its not just a good deal in the books but when you view this property it sells itself. This 710 square foot condo is sure to please those looking to upgrade or entering the home market.

Thanks for reading this weeks edition of Quest For the Best. Next edition of Quest for the Best I will be scouring the West End of Downtown Vancouver in search of the hottest deals the market has to offer. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact me at Scott@scottdolson.ca

Links:
www.scottdolson.ca

www.mygastown.ca