About the building
Rotunda is an architecturally significant boutique building located at 430 Parry Street in the heart of James Bay. Designed by D'Arcy Jones Architecture and developed by Aryze Developments in 2022, this intimate collection of 12 homes features a unique U-shaped design centered around a lush, open-air courtyard. Residents enjoy modern, airy interiors with white oak flooring, integrated Bosch appliances, and a location steps from the BC Legislature and the Inner Harbour.
Rotunda was co-developed by Aryze and Purdey Group, and the 2018 proposal replaced a single house with two small structures of four and five storeys reached by outdoor walkways rather than interior corridors, with a Modo car-share stall on site. Construction ran from 2020 to 2022, and the finished building mixes bachelor and one-bedroom condominiums with stacked townhomes and a penthouse across 12,200 square feet of floor area; prices at launch ran from about $325,000 to $1.55 million, and the project is sold out.
Interiors have quartz counters, engineered white oak floors, wool carpet in the bedrooms and integrated wall cabinetry, with electric baseboard heat and one parking space per home. A 1,065-square-foot two-bedroom carried a strata fee of about $560 a month. There are no shared amenities beyond the courtyard, which is the organizing idea of the design. Fisherman's Wharf and the James Bay village shops on Menzies Street are each a few minutes' walk.
About James Bay
James Bay sits at the edge of Vancouver Island, surrounded by the calm waters of the Victoria Harbour and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. To the east lies Beacon Hill Park, providing a luscious green landscape.
Tourism plays a significant role in the economy of James Bay, both because it hosts many tourist destinations and because it is home to the Ogden Point cruise ship terminal. During the summer months, James Bay’s extensive waterfront is alive with activity. Many of Victoria’s key attractions are located in the neighbourhood, including the Parliament Buildings, Royal BC Museum, Beacon Hill Park, Fisherman’s Wharf and many hotels and bed and breakfast establishments. Horse-drawn carriages and waterfront walkways also serve as a draw.
The heart of the neighbourhood is James Bay Village, filled with local shops and services. James Bay is an extremely walkable and bike-able neighbourhood and acts as a hub for many community sporting events that use Dallas Road as a major portion of their routes.
Parks
The parkland in James Bay is extensive. The neighbourhood contains a large portion of Beacon Hill Park. Other parks include Holland Point Park along Dallas Road, waterfront parkland in the Laurel Point area, MacDonald Park, Fisherman’s Wharf Park, neighbourhood parks (e.g., Irving Park which is located beside the seniors complex) and several other open spaces owned and managed by other levels of government.
Schools
James Bay Community School
South Park Family School
Gardens & Markets
James Bay has two allotment gardens located on Montreal Street:
The Neighbourhood Garden of All Sorts and
The Allotment Garden
The James Bay Farmer’s Market boasts a wide array of local produce, foods, and art. The market runs every Saturday from May through to September from 9am to 3pm, and is located at the corner of Menzies St. and Superior St.
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.
