27 ALEXANDER ST., NO. 507, VANCOUVER
ASKING PRICE $419,900
SELLING PRICE $388,900
PREVIOUS SELLING PRICE $168,357 (1997)
TAXES $1,461 (2012)
DAYS ON THE MARKET 15
CO-OP AGENT Nicolas Blachette, Sutton West Coast Realty
The action: Early this year, clients of agent Nicolas Blachette yearned to buy a residence in a heritage building in Gastown, but only four one-bedroom lofts fell within their $500,000 budget between 15 conversion projects.
This one-bedroom, corner loft in the Alexis and Alexander complex near Maple Tree Square already had an offer, but the deal fall apart and the price was reduced to $399,900. So Mr. Blachette's clients wrote an offer after a tour that same day.
What they got: A turn-of-the-century structure once at the city's centre of trade and commerce was converted into a condominium residence comprised of fewer than 60 units in 1997.
This 700-square-foot loft features 9.5-foot ceilings and exposed brick walls in the master bedroom and an open entertaining area with a gas fireplace, hardwood floors, south-facing windows and double glass balcony doors.
Wet stations are located along the entry hall, including a linear kitchen, laundry closet and four-piece bathroom.
Monthly fees of $252 pay for upkeep of a rooftop patio, bike storage area and garage where this unit has parking.
The agent's take: "The unit is an end unit and features brick walls, high ceilings, a small Juliet balcony with French doors, a large open layout and a private parking spot on-site, which is super rare for the area," Mr. Blachette states.
"It is very unique as it is looking directly onto 'Gassy Jack' square, the open air stage for the International Jazz Festival, which is the biggest summer, cultural celebration in the city."
Buyers also fancied local year-round attractions. "Gastown is becoming the trendiest area of downtown Vancouver with some of the best bars and restaurants of the city to go out, a good concert and nightclub scene, and many independent art galleries, stylish coffee shops and fashion boutiques bordering the streets," says Mr. Blachette.