 |
Originally the industrial heart of Vancouver, Yaletown today is a vibrant mix of converted warehouse lofts, highrise, condominiums, art galleries, design studios and restaurants. |
| The historic Canadian Pacific Railway engine that pulled the first train over the Rockies in 1887 is on display today in the restored Roundhouse, at the corner of Davie Street and Pacific Boulevard. That engine pulled the freight cars that hauled the entire town of Yale ----including the railway workers and their houses---- through the Fraser Valley to the area now known as Yaletown. |
 |
 |
You can find a slightly more modern rooming house from Vancouver's early days at 1241 Homer Street. The building was completed in 1910 and the double-entry stair and the wooden cornice and brackets are original. The gingerbread curlicues were added when the building was renovated for office use. |
| Warehouse and factories were built in the area surrounding the rail yards and Yaletown remained a predominantly industrial neighbourhood through the mid-1980's. It was Expo '86, the world exhibition hosted by Vancouver in 1986, that sparked the redevelopment of the area. |
 |
 |
When the 1986 world's fair was dismantled, much of the land was reclaimed for highrise residential development, and many of the area's warehouses and factories were converted to restaurant and shops. |
| Many of the city's creative enterprises, including graphic and interior designers, media production houses, architects and artists were attracted by the area's historic brick buildings, which have been converted to studios and lofts. |
 |
 |
Today Yaletown's streets are lined with stores featuring an electric selection of high-fashion clothing, gifts, jewelry and furniture. And the loading days of former warehouses have been converted to outdoor patios for many of the area's restaurants. |
