About the building
The Union is a modern, five-story condo development located at 517 Fisgard Street in Victoria’s vibrant Downtown neighbourhood. Built in 2014, the complex features 136 strata units across two connected buildings with a central courtyard and access via historic Theatre Alley. Residents enjoy convenient access to parks, schools, shopping, and the downtown core, with scenic views of the Selkirk Waterway and Sooke Hills. The building allows pets, has underground secure parking, and offers unrestricted rentals, making it a flexible and appealing option for homeowners and investors alike.
The Union was developed by Anthem Properties, which bought the site in 2007 after an earlier project stalled, and designed by Robert Ciccozzi Architecture with Merrick Architecture. The roughly $30-million project incorporates the 1881 Finlayson building facade and re-opened Theatre Alley as a mid-block pedestrian connection between Fisgard and Pandora. It won a UDI Award of Excellence as the best real estate development on Vancouver Island. Anthem counts 133 homes across the two buildings.
Suites are junior one-bedroom, one-bedroom and two-bedroom plans of about 490 to 830 square feet across five floor plans, with in-suite laundry and balconies, and launch prices ran from $239,000 to $399,000. About 9,000 square feet of restaurant and retail space lines Fisgard and Pandora at street level, with secure underground parking and storage below. Chinatown's Fan Tan Alley is next door, and Market Square and the Johnson Street Bridge are a block away.
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.
