About the building
989 Johnson Street is a modern, 2019-built condo located in the heart of Downtown Victoria. This north-west facing unit features floor-to-ceiling windows, an open-concept layout, and a sleek kitchen with wood-tone cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a large island perfect for entertaining. The living and dining areas offer stunning city and mountain views, while the spacious balcony is ideal for relaxing or BBQs. Constructed with concrete and steel, the building ensures peace and quiet, and its prime location makes it a walker's paradise with shops, restaurants, cafes, and amenities all nearby. Pet-friendly living adds to the appeal of this vibrant urban home.
989 Victoria was developed by Cox Developments and built by Farmer Construction on what had been the McCall Bros. funeral home's surface parking lot at Johnson and Vancouver streets; council approved it in February 2016, excavation began that summer and the building completed in 2019. The design, credited to CEI Architecture, is two concrete towers of 17 and 15 storeys on a six-storey podium, holding 206 homes and two live-work units above about 9,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial space wrapping both streets. Suites run from about 450 to 1,800 square feet in studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, loft, sub-penthouse and penthouse plans.
Parking is on three to four underground levels with EV chargers and no visitor stalls, there is storage for more than 200 bikes and a locker for each suite, and an internal south-facing courtyard has a raised yoga deck. Confirm pet bylaws with the strata. The Harris Green grocery stores are a block away and the Inner Harbour a ten-minute walk.
About Downtown
Victoria’s Downtown is the most rapidly growing neighbourhood in the city. New residents of all ages are attracted to the area’s rich historic character and its vibrant waterfront. The downtown has a thriving arts, culture and entertainment district combined with an impressive variety of dining and shopping choices, all within easy walking distance. The Royal BC Museum and Chinatown (Canada’s oldest) are perennial attractions for visitors and residents alike. The neighbourhood also hosts celebrated landmarks like the Empress Hotel, provincial Parliament Buildings and the Royal and McPherson Theatres.
Parks
The Downtown neighbourhood has green space along the waterfront, which includes Reeson Park near the Johnson Street Bridge. Cridge Park is located to the south, next to the downtown Lawn Bowling Club and Crystal Garden and near the entrance to Beacon Hill Park. Centennial Square, situated next to Victoria’s historic City Hall, is the downtown’s primary venue for events.
Schools
Chinese Public School (Chinese language and cultural classes for children and adults)
Victoria Conservatory of Music
Victoria Academy of Ballet
Victoria School of Contemporary Dance
Pacific Design Academy
Over 15 English language schools
Gardens & Markets
The Yates Street Community Garden is operated by the Downtown Residents Association
Bastion Square Public Market runs Thursdays to Sundays between May and end of September
Ship Point Night Market operates Friday and Saturday evenings from mid June to mid September.
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.
