About the building
Customs House is a premier luxury residential development situated at the north end of Victoria's Inner Harbour, at Government, Wharf and Courtney streets a block north of the Empress Hotel. The project is a masterful rehabilitation that preserves the original 1914 heritage sandstone facade while integrating a modern seven-storey addition. The building offers high-end amenities including a full concierge service, fitness center, and steam/sauna rooms, with harbour views from many residences. Interiors are designed with exceptional attention to detail, boasting imported Italian cabinetry, high ceilings, and Wolf/Sub-Zero appliance packages.
Customs House was redeveloped by Cielo Properties, with Merrick Architecture handling the 1914 heritage building and Studio One Architecture the new wing behind it; Insight Design Group did the interiors and Donald Luxton advised on the heritage work. The original was built in 1914 as the federal customs building on the foundation of the 1898 post office, to a design by Dominion architect David Ewart, and later served as a post office. A 1950s addition on Government Street was demolished and replaced by the seven-storey limestone-clad wing, with a set-back level added on the heritage portion; construction took about four years and roughly $100 million, finishing in fall 2021, and the project won the 2022 Capital Region Commercial Building Award of Excellence for renovation.
The building is registered as strata plan EPP69462, concrete throughout, with three levels of underground parking and fob-controlled floor access. The 57 homes run from one-bedrooms of about 620 square feet to penthouses of more than 4,000 square feet with rooftop gardens, in more than 40 layouts; ceilings reach nearly 14 feet in the heritage wing and over nine and a half in the new wing, with triple-pane windows, VRF air conditioning, engineered hardwood and Kohler and Toto fixtures. The second-floor gym has a sauna and steam room, and there is a car-wash station in the parkade. Confirm pet bylaws with the strata.
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.
