A long-awaited hotel project in Victoria’s Old Town is getting a little taller.
At a council meeting on April 10th, Victoria city council approved Chard Developments’ request to add two more storeys to its hotel project at the historic Duck’s Building site on the corner of Broad and Johnson streets.
Originally approved in 2021 as a six-storey development, the building will now reach eight storeys—though the top floors will be set back from the street to reduce visual impact.
The added height will make room for 32 more guest rooms, increasing the hotel’s total from 135 to 167. Once complete, it will be the first new hotel in Victoria’s downtown core since the Marriott opened roughly 20 years ago.
The project sits on a site with deep roots in the city’s history. The 131-year-old buildings were once owned by the late Michael Williams, the businessman behind Swans Brew Pub and a dedicated advocate for preserving Victoria’s heritage.
His wishes for the properties included maintaining their historic character and ensuring public benefit—something Chard and UVic Properties, which retains ownership of the land, say they’re striving to honour.
As part of the approval conditions, the development must retain key heritage features, including the Duck’s Building’s east and west facades and the rubble stone wall from the 1874 Duck’s Carriage Factory.
Salvaged materials will also be showcased in the hotel lobby as part of a heritage education program.
Construction began last year with a delicate deconstruction process to preserve the two historic facades. Since then, the project has faced rising costs.
What began at an estimated $394 per square foot is now expected to run $595 per square foot—partly due to unexpected issues with the aging brickwork and the extra care needed to stabilize the retained walls.
Once finished, the hotel will feature retail at street level and off-street parking, adding new life to the lower Broad Street corridor and contributing to the ongoing revitalization of Victoria’s Old Town.
What do you think—are the two extra levels a welcome addition to downtown Victoria? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
