·   Nester’s Market - http://www.nestersmarket.com/woodwards/ - Finally, a grocery store in the heart of Gastown!  And you don’t need to put your coat on to go get your groceries...it couldn’t be any easier than that!

·  London Drugs – www.londondrugs.com – Basically one stop shopping with this drug store right across the atrium.  You don’t need to get into your car for this shopping trip.

·  TD Canada Trust – www.tdcanadatrust.com – Quick stop at the bank before you hit all the other great shops in the Woodward’s complex. 

·  Simon Fraser University School for the Contemporary Arts- www.sfu.ca – SFU offers distinctive programs in contemporary music, dance, theatre, film, visual art, and art and culture studies

·  Charles Bar - http://thecharlesbar.ca/ - The Charles Bar offers a comfortable and contemporary swing on the neighbourhood bar.  Enjoy Classic cocktails, craft brews, and contemporary casual food.  With an extra large TV screen and mini  individual TV’s in the booths, you will be sure to feel at home here with your friends watching a game.

·  J.J. Bean Coffee Shop - http://www.jjbeancoffee.com/articles/now-open-woodwards-district- No need to jump in your car for your morning cup of java!  You don’t even need a coat.  Now that makes your morning coffee run easy!

·  W2 Media Cafe - http://www.creativetechnology.org/ - Hungry, and want to give back to society at the same time?  Then eat here!  This cafe serves up healthy, high quality food and drinks and employs downtown eastside residents, offering support to the community.  It’s an artist-run, globally networked media arts lab and meeting space.  Check it out...you won’t be disappointed.

·  Subway – www.subway.com – Looking for a quick and easy bite?  Subway has it all...

·  Hiro Japan Sushi - http://hirojapan.ca – Sushi anyone?  ‘Nuf said!

·  Green Stems - http://greenstems.ca/ - Looking for some fresh cut flowers to lift someone’s spirits?  Or boost your own space and balcony?  Look no further!  You will find clean, simple, unique floral designs, as well as beautiful Living Walls

· Express News – Your quick pit stop for your typical variety store items

· W Dental & Wellness Centre - http://www.w-dental.ca/ - If you live in the Woodward’s buildings, you can’t go wrong here.  A quick ride on the elevator and you are there...get the trip to the dentist over and done with quickly!

The Woodward’s Department Store was first established in 1903 at the corner of Abbott and Hastings, and grew to cover half of the block.  For decades, Woodward’s was one of Vancouver’s primary retail destinations for household necessities, including a food floor.  It was famous for its neon “W” on the roof, and for its spectacular Christmas window displays.
 
Woodward’s thrived for decades, but eventually closed its doors in 1993.  The property was sold in 1995 to a developer, Fama Holdings, and in November 1996, Woodward’s was designated a heritage building.  After several years and much unsuccessful negotiation about the proper development and use of the property, Fama sold the property to the Province of British Columbia in March 2001, for $22mil.
 
The province was unable to find a partner for the commercial component to develop the land, so the project was put on hold in early 2002.  In the summer of 2002, Madison Bellevue Apartments Corporation optioned the Woodward’s building from the Province for $18m, with a development plan in place to operate the residential units in the building as rental.  In September 2002, a number of homeless people and community groups occupied the building, demanding more social housing.  They later formed a tent city on the sidewalk perimeter of Woodward’s, becoming known as the Woodward’s Squat.  By November 2002 it became clear that Madison Bellevue’s proposal would not be feasible, and with no secured financing for the project, their option expired.
 
In December 2002, the City of Vancouver found alternative, temporary accommodation for the Woodward’s squatters and in March 2003, the City purchased the Woodward’s building from the Province for approximately $5 million.  The City relit the neon “W” sign on top of the Woodward’s building to symbolize a new beginning for the site, and the exciting opportunity for the revitalization of the downtown eastside.  The City’s mandate was to involve the community and the residents of Vancouver in the design and planning for the redevelopment of the building for social, environmental and economical sustainability.
 
In September 2004, City council chose Westbank Projects/Peterson Investment Group as the developer for the Woodward’s project.  In January 2005, the Council selected the PHS Community Services Society to sponsor the development of the 125 low income singles units, and the Affordable Housing Society to sponsor the development of 75 low and modest income family units.  The announcement for the SFU Contemporary Arts campus also came in early 2005.
 
On April 22, 2006, the Woodward’s residential market units went on sale, and all 536 units sold out in 24 hours.  The project was a success, and the beginnings of the revitalization of the downtown east side was becoming a reality.  The infamous “W” sign was removed that summer, and now stands proudly on display on the ground level in the courtyard of the complex.  In support of BladeRunners, a program offering employment and training opportunities for homeless youth, the bricks from the Woodward’s building went on sale to the public in September 2006.   Great idea for owners and other city residents to take home a little piece of history.
 
In late 2009, the project was ready for its first inhabitants, and the owners proudly moved in to their new homes.  As of January 2010, a new environmentally friendly lighted twirling “W” sign is back atop the Woodward’s building for all the city to see, reflect, and rejoice in this great new space, in this oldest part of the city, and fantastic growing neighbourhood!”