Here’s a detailed rendering of what Victoria’s tallest building could look like (VIDEO)

A new project proposed for the corner of Blanshard Street and Pandora Avenue could soon become the tallest building in Vancouver Island’s capital.

Dubbed One Victoria Place, the 35-storey residential tower is being proposed by Vancouver-based Reliance Properties at a prominent downtown site, 1520 Blanshard Street, currently home to a 1980s office building leased to the BC Ministry of Forests.

If approved, the tower would soar to 387 feet, surpassing the nearby Hudson Place, which currently holds the title of Victoria’s tallest building at 279 feet.

“We are committed to building a landmark that will be a point of pride for the community,” said Jon Stovell, CEO of Reliance Properties. “Our design blends heritage elements with modern innovation, honouring the past while looking to the future.”

The proposal includes a mix of residential, commercial, and public spaces. In addition to the tower, the project envisions a 5-storey podium along Cormorant Street and Blanshard Street.

This space would feature 321 homes, including family-sized units, co-working offices, and at-grade commercial units. The developers emphasize the importance of integrating public spaces, with a public plaza set to activate the streetscape and encourage community interaction.

The residential units would contribute nearly 30% of the city’s annual housing targets, with a focus on meeting Victoria’s needs for family housing. Of the 321 homes, 20% would include two bedrooms, and 11% would offer three bedrooms. The remaining units would consist of live/work, studio, and one-bedroom apartments.

Reliance Properties believes that the site, situated at a key intersection between Pandora Avenue and Cormorant Street, is perfectly suited for a tall building. The location, at the critical “jog” in the city grid, would provide a visual landmark for those approaching the downtown core from the north and east.

The project also responds to Victoria’s growing demand for more housing options, with a combination of amenities that foster a live-work-play environment. The design would also help support local arts and culture, with contributions for permanent artist space and funding for community initiatives.

While the project still requires approval from the City of Victoria, the public will have an opportunity to weigh in at a community open house on January 27th. The event will be held between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. at 2100 Douglas Street.

If the development is approved, One Victoria Place will become the tallest building on Vancouver Island.

As Reliance Properties moves forward with this ambitious proposal, eyes will be on the city’s council and residents to see if this vision of a towering future will become a reality.

For a sneak peek at what One Victoria Place could look like, the developers have released a flythrough video of the proposed site:

Let us know what you think of the proposed building in the comment section below!