About the building
At 10 storeys and 84 suites, Escher’s bold lines and eye-catching mix of charcoal brick and metal. From kitchens that use the latest low-energy appliances to living areas that maximize every inch of floor space, Escher suites have been carefully planned to balance modern convenience with the comforts of home. A slight remove from Victoria’s bustling centre yet still just a short walk or bike ride from the best the city has to offer, was such a perfect fit for our sixth project in the city.
Escher was Chard Development's sixth consecutive Victoria project after Corazon, The Juliet, The 834, The Sovereign and Duet, designed by Musson Cattell Mackey Partnership with interiors by Proscenium and built by Campbell Construction for about $40 million. Construction ran from 2015 to 2017, and the building was marketed with an online "build your own condo" customizer billed as a first for Victoria.
The 84 homes sit above one ground-floor commercial unit: one-bedrooms of about 475 to 810 square feet, two-bedrooms of 855 to 1,055 with some dens, and tenth-floor penthouses of roughly 1,000 to 1,350 square feet, all with 8'6" ceilings, quartz counters, European cabinetry, AEG, Fisher & Paykel and Liebherr appliances, heated bathroom floors and in-suite laundry. The rooftop common area has an outdoor kitchen and barbecue, and the building has a dog-wash station, a meeting room, a resident manager, bike storage, fob access and underground parking with EV and scooter charging. Broughton Street puts the Royal Theatre, the library and Fort Street's restaurants within two blocks.
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.
