About the building
The Astoria is a landmark 20-storey steel-and-concrete high-rise located in Victoria’s Humboldt Valley, just steps from the Inner Harbour and the Empress Hotel. Completed in 2006, this award-winning building features modern West Coast interiors with bamboo flooring, floor-to-ceiling windows, and open-concept layouts that maximize natural light. Residents enjoy premium amenities including a private fitness centre, a games room with a pool table, and a secure underground parking facility, all while being perfectly positioned for downtown urban living.
The Astoria was Concert Properties' first residential project in Victoria, launched in 2003 and completed in 2006 alongside its sister building Belvedere, for a combined 241 homes. Architects Richard Henry and Larry Doyal designed the concrete tower with ground-floor retail on the Humboldt Street side. Concert reported all suites sold within six weeks of launch, and the project earned three of the company's four CARE Award nominations in 2006.
The 164 suites run from studios to two-bedroom-and-den plans, with the smaller loft-style homes on the lower floors and about 30 larger suites on the upper floors. Fairfield Road at this point is a few minutes' walk from the Inner Harbour, the Royal BC Museum and the St. Ann's Academy grounds, and Cook Street Village and Beacon Hill Park are a short walk south.
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.
