I have lived in Vancouver for a year now. I am still enamoured with the city as I was that first sunny day last February. But I am mystified by the urban decay that exists in the corridor between Gastown and Chinatown. One of our first video shoots was for a unique loft space on Water Street. I remember thinking how interesting Gastown was, refreshingly different than the rest of Vancouver. Still to this day, I am drawn by the narrow streets, the brick-lined roads and the unique loft spaces that are symbolic of Gastown.

Can the Woodward’s development (www.woodwardsdistrict.com) revitalize Gastown and the surrounding area? According to the City of Vancouver Website (www.city.vancouver.bc.ca), “the redevelopment of the Woodward’s building is, both practically and symbolically, key to the revitalization of the Downtown Eastside.” Units at Woodward’s became available at what is now seen as the peak of the real estate frenzy in Vancouver. All 536 units were sold in 1 day. The 2 residential towers that consist of the Woodward’s project are expected to be complete in December 2009, shortly before Vancouver hosts the Winter Olympics.

Here is a video montage of the demolition of the Woodward’s building last September from the City of Vancouver Website