At 12:01 a.m. on a Friday, the Roxy nightclub is alive with activity. A long line of partygoers waits outside, a familiar sight on Granville Street, which has undergone numerous changes over the years. Just a block away, the Granville Villa single-room occupancy hotel has a dozen individuals on the sidewalk. Some are using glass pipes to smoke opioids, while others lie unconscious.

Nearby, a local fixture known as "Spoons" plays his namesake instrument on the sidewalk. He has been busking in the area for nearly 30 years. Reflecting on the current state of the street, he says, "It’s pretty dead now compared to before COVID, but I’m still here performing every night. Gotta make the rent, man."

Opinions about Granville Street vary widely. Some view it as vibrant, while others see it as filthy or sketchy. The area is now at a crossroads, facing issues such as housing, homelessness, and crime, as city officials consider revitalization plans.

By 3:32 a.m., the clubs and bars have closed, but the streets remain busy with late-night diners and revelers. At 4:01 a.m., city street-sweepers begin cleaning the Granville Entertainment District, preparing it for another day. Historically, Granville was once known as "Theatre Row," with the Vancouver Opera House opening in 1891. It was a popular destination for nightlife until the mid-20th century, when illegal gambling and other vices began to take hold.

In the 1970s, nightlife columnist Jack Wasserman described Granville as the roughest main drag in Canada. The opening of Granville Mall in 1974 was seen as a turning point, but the area continued to decline. By the late 1970s, it was notorious for its sex shops and adult entertainment venues.

The 1980s saw Granville labeled as the "Wild West" of nightlife. Sasha Pocekovic, who has worked at the Roxy since its opening in 1988, recalls the skepticism surrounding the club's establishment.

As the sun rises at 7:45 a.m., tourists from various countries navigate the sidewalks, some expressing concern over individuals lying on the ground outside social housing. In 1995, city council aimed to revitalize Granville by designating it an entertainment district, which led to an increase in bars and nightlife. However, this also resulted in a rise in crime, with police calls increasing significantly in the early 2000s.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought further challenges. The B.C. government converted the Howard Johnson Hotel into emergency social housing, leading to complaints from business owners about rising crime and disorder. Five years later, many believe the area has not fully recovered. Business owners are calling for the removal of social housing from the Granville Entertainment District, a sentiment echoed by police and city council.

By 11:14 a.m., a man is arrested outside a social housing building, illustrating ongoing issues in the area. Meanwhile, a new protected walking and cycling path across the Granville Street Bridge has recently opened, signaling potential changes ahead.

City planners are optimistic about future developments, including a proposed 33-story hotel and a significant project on the 800-block of Granville that aims to renovate the Commodore Ballroom and add new rental homes. Neil Hrushowy, Vancouver’s director of community planning, expressed hope for the area’s future, stating, "Granville is on the cusp of an upswing. There are some big pieces that are changing that."

As Granville Street stands at a pivotal moment, the community awaits the outcome of these developments and their impact on the neighborhood.