About the building
The Palladian is an award-winning heritage conversion located at 1602 Quadra Street, originally constructed in 1912 as the First Congregational Church. Transformed in 2008 by developer Keyvan Shojania, the building offers 29 unique loft-style residences featuring soaring 18-foot vaulted ceilings, exposed brick, and original timber beams. Residents benefit from a common rooftop patio with panoramic city views and a versatile live/work zoning that permits short-term vacation rentals in the heart of downtown Victoria.
The First Congregational Church was designed by Washington-state architects Emanuel Joseph Bresemann and Morien Eugene Durfee in the Classical Revival style, with a portico of four concrete Ionic columns under a pediment; the Victoria Heritage Foundation dates the first service to June 1913, and the planned lantern and cupola were never built. After the 1925 church union the Baptists used it until 1973, and a boxing club and a music store followed, filling in the archways.
Herbert Kwan drew the conversion plans, which added a rear addition behind the church to create 29 homes over about 7,000 square feet of commercial space; the work ran from 2005 to 2008 and won the Hallmark Heritage Society's President's Award in 2008. The building is on the North Park Heritage Register with a heritage covenant, so exterior changes are controlled. Construction is concrete and brick, with an elevator and bike storage. St. John the Divine is across Quadra Street, and Fairway Market and the Quadra Village shops are a short walk north.
About Central Park
Central Park is an MLS sub-area in Victoria's North Park neighbourhood, taking in the streets around Central Park itself between Quadra, Vancouver and Caledonia. The park was North Park's namesake green: the City bought almost seven acres from the Finlayson estate in 1906, making it Victoria's second-oldest park, and the surrounding Rock Bay estate was subdivided over the following years. Most houses date from 1907 to 1913, and the area's early residents included several of Victoria's wealthy Chinese merchant families.
The housing is a mix of Edwardian and Arts and Crafts houses, older low-rise condominium buildings such as the 1989 strata at 947 Caledonia, and newer apartments along Quadra and Pandora, where the City's plan allows high-density mixed use. Royal Athletic Park, Crystal Pool and the Victoria Curling Club are across the street, Mason Street Park and George Jay Elementary are a block or two away, and the North Park Village shops on Cook Street and Quadra Street are a short walk. The $209-million replacement for Crystal Pool is planned for the north side of the park. Downtown is a ten-minute walk, and Quadra Street buses run through the neighbourhood.
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.
