About the building
Cypress is the four-storey wood-frame building at Bellewood Park, Abstract Developments' three-phase community on roughly two acres of Garry oak parkland in Rockland. It holds 23 homes: one-bedroom-and-den, junior two-bedroom, two-bedroom-and-den, sub-penthouse and penthouse plans from about 722 to 1,652 square feet. Cascadia Architects designed the buildings and Nygaard Interior Design the interiors; construction ran from 2019 into 2022.
The two condominium buildings, Cypress and the six-storey concrete Oaks at 1201 Fort Street, share an underground parkade with 81 resident and nine visitor stalls. Each home has a stall and the penthouses have private two-car garages. A concierge, electric share bikes and a shared electric car, a ground-floor lounge with a south-facing patio and bike storage round out the amenities, and a pedestrian path leads to the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria next door. Nine townhomes on Pentrelew Place make up the third phase. Homes are covered by Abstract's Homeowner Care program and a Travelers 2-5-10 warranty.
About Rockland
Rockland is the historic neighbourhood southeast of downtown and northeast of Beacon Hill Park, flanking Rockland Avenue between Fort Street, Oak Bay Avenue and Fairfield. The land was granted to James Douglas and J.D. Pemberton, and Cary Castle became the vice-regal residence in 1871; today's Government House replaced it after fires in 1903 and 1957, and its gardens are open to the public. Craigdarroch Castle, built for coal baron Robert Dunsmuir in the 1890s, and the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria on Moss Street are the other landmarks, and Christ Church Cathedral marks the downtown edge.
Rockland is one of Victoria's most affluent neighbourhoods, with estate-sized lots, Rattenbury and Maclure houses and a mature urban forest largely on private land. There is more rental and strata housing than the streetscape suggests: many of the grand houses were converted to suites in the mid-twentieth century, and heritage conversions and boutique condominium buildings line Rockland Avenue, Linden Avenue and the Fort Street edge. There is no commercial village inside the neighbourhood; residents walk to Cook Street Village, the Fort and Foul Bay shops or Oak Bay Avenue. Fort Street is a priority frequent-transit corridor, and downtown is a fifteen-minute walk.
About Victoria
Victoria’s Downtown is the vibrant heart of British Columbia’s capital city, blending historic charm with modern urban energy. It is the city’s most rapidly growing neighbourhood, attracting new residents of all ages to its mix of heritage architecture, bustling waterfront, and thriving cultural scene. With scenic harbour views and tree-lined streets, downtown Victoria offers a dynamic urban lifestyle while remaining walkable and accessible.
The area boasts a rich arts, culture, and entertainment district, featuring galleries, theatres, live music venues, and festivals throughout the year. Residents and visitors enjoy an impressive variety of dining, shopping, and service options, all within convenient walking distance. Historic and iconic landmarks, such as the Royal BC Museum, the Fairmont Empress Hotel, the provincial Parliament Buildings, and Canada’s oldest Chinatown, provide both character and a strong sense of place. The Royal and McPherson Theatres further enhance the city’s reputation as a hub for the performing arts.
Downtown Victoria’s waterfront plays a central role in community life, offering promenades, marinas, and public spaces that encourage outdoor recreation and social engagement. The combination of rich history, vibrant culture, and urban amenities makes downtown Victoria a highly desirable neighbourhood for residents who value both convenience and quality of life.
Today, Victoria continues to grow while maintaining its unique blend of heritage, modern development, and coastal beauty, making it a welcoming and dynamic place to live, work, and explore.
