November 6, 2018, VICTORIA, BC – What was once an under-utilized parcel of land adjacent to the James Bay community and BC Legislature is progressively changing shape as Concert and Jawl Properties work together to complete the Capital Park development.
Bordered by Michigan, Menzies and Superior Streets, Capital Park is a six-acre master-plan community that is revitalizing an entire city block in the heart of Victoria. The mixed-use development incorporates rental and condominium homes, as well as office space and retail amenities in a site that will be remarkable for its attractive landscaping, tranquil water features, and extensive walkways that will connect Capital Park to its many onsite amenities and adjacent communities.
“This site, which previously comprised parking lots and aging provincial office buildings, had no real presence, contrasting with the charming James Bay community and iconic Legislature buildings,” says Brian McCauley, Concert’s President & Chief Executive Officer. “Our approach honours the principles of the Victoria Accord, which in the early 1990s established a vision for the redevelopment of the area with input from multiple stakeholders, including the City and the Province. We built on the Accord’s foundation with a plan to re-connect this parcel of land in a way that contributes to the image and character of the Legislative precinct and complements the site’s unique historical context.”
In keeping with guiding principles, careful consideration was given to all elements of the site’s design to ensure Capital Park complements adjacent neighbourhoods, knits together bordering communities and creates a strong sense of place that has been missing from the site for decades. Among one of the site’s key features is the integrated network of welcoming plazas, courtyards and pathways that invite people to walk through and to the community, where extensive amenities and varied retail options will increase appeal and enhance neighbourhood vibrancy.
“Capital Park is a shining example of our commitment to create vibrant, resilient and sustainable communities that reflect local values and priorities,” adds McCauley. “We couldn’t be more pleased with our progress and the public’s response to our efforts to revitalize the area.”
The development of Capital Park has occurred in multiple phases since the site was acquired from the Province in 2014. This has allowed for the demolition of aged structures prior to construction as well as for the preservation of five heritage homes, three of which were re-located on site with the other two homes transported by barge to another James Bay location.
To date, Concert and Jawl have completed the construction of a 127,000-square-foot office building fully leased to the Province of British Columbia, 53 rental apartments featuring community-focused amenities, such as a Red Barn Market and a local branch of the Victoria public library, and three heritage homes which have been renovated and converted to rental apartments. Nearing completion in the heart of Capital Park is an expansive plaza and a Good Earth Coffeehouse that open to the Legislature and draw in the community. Construction on the site’s second 120,000-square-foot office building is underway.
Concert and Jawl recently marked a key milestone in the final phase of the development by initiating sales for Capital Park Residences, a boutique collection of exceptionally-crafted, concrete-built condominiums and townhomes that will complete the community.
Capital Park Residences offer a total of 113 homes in four and five-storey buildings, along with a limited collection of distinctive townhomes. All the homes are designed to blend seamlessly with the charming James Bay neighbourhood and provide easy access to the inviting courtyards, interconnected walkways and water features, as well as local amenities. Residents will also enjoy access to a private lounge opening onto a furnished terrace and a well-equipped fitness studio.
“Capital Park, when completed, will bring new life to a key block that links the James Bay community with the downtown core,” says McCauley. “We look forward to completing this exceptional project and delivering on a long-term vision of revitalizing an integral area that has been somewhat of a missing puzzle piece of this community.”
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About Capital Park
Encompassing a full city block adjacent to the Legislature, Capital Park is blocks from the downtown core and steps to the Inner Harbour. Incorporating thoughtfully-designed rental and condominium homes as well as market-leading office space and dynamic retail amenities, Capital Park is a complete community that is revitalizing a key block of the city. Capital Park represents a collaboration between two of Victoria’s most respected developers, Concert and Jawl Properties. The Presentation Centre for Capital Park Residences is located at 665 Douglas Street and is open every day, except Fridays, from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
About Concert
Founded in 1989, Concert specializes in developing rental apartments, condominium homes and retirement communities, acquiring and developing office, industrial and infrastructure properties and in property management. With operations across Canada and the backing of more than 200,000 Canadians represented by the union and management pension plans who own Concert, our commitment is to build strong, sustainable communities across Canada.
About Jawl Properties
Jawl Properties Ltd. is a leading real estate developer focused on commercial, residential and mixed-use developments in Victoria. With over 35 years of experience, Jawl is known for its underlying commitment to quality and the creation of environmentally sustainable developments that contribute to the vitality of their surrounding neighbourhoods.
Media Contact
Eduarda Hodgins
Director, Corporate Communications
604.290.3547
EHodgins@ConcertProperties.com