About the building
The Vogue is the residential portion of the heritage block that fills the Government Street frontage between Pandora Avenue and Johnson Street, with its strata address at 599 Pandora Avenue in the heart of Old Town. The south half was built in 1892 by architect Thomas Hooper as the Wilson-Dalby Block and leased to the Hotel Victoria; the north half is the De Cosmos Block of 1888. The block housed the McLennan & McFeely department store in the 1920s and provincial government offices from the 1960s until 2000, then sat empty with its upper floors declared unsafe until Cielo Properties bought it and, with Farmer Construction and architect Charles Kierulf of de Hoog & Kierulf, converted the roughly 60,000-square-foot building into 46 strata lofts over retail in 2006; Mountain Equipment Co-op took the main commercial space. The Victoria Hotel portion at 1400 Government Street has been on the city's heritage register since 1995.
The lofts are the draw: 21-foot main-level ceilings with an 11-foot upper level, in one-bedroom plans around 790 square feet and two-bedroom plans around 1,035 square feet, some with radiant floors and gas fireplaces, and exposed brick and old-growth timber throughout. Single-level suites of about 650 square feet have 13-foot ceilings and polished concrete floors. The building is registered as strata plan VIS6012 and has an elevator, controlled entry, secure bike storage and a shared rooftop patio with city and harbour views; heating is electric baseboard, and 32 underground stalls serve the 46 homes, so check whether a stall comes with any listing. Strata fees on a one-bedroom are around $475 a month. Listings report a pet-friendly building; confirm with the strata. Chinatown, Market Square and the Johnson Street Bridge are each 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.
