Historic downtown Victoria building could become new hotel under proposed redevelopment

A historic downtown Victoria building located just steps from the BC legislature could soon welcome hotel guests instead of office workers.

Vancouver-based real estate company Reliance Properties has submitted plans to convert the former BC Power Commission building at 780 Blanshard Street into a 126-room hotel.

The project would add much-needed accommodation capacity to Victoria’s tourism sector.

The proposal, which has been submitted to the City of Victoria as part of a heritage alteration permit application, would see the landmark Art Deco building restored and adapted for a new use while preserving many of its historic features.

“We want to preserve and rehabilitate the building to its glorious character while modernizing it for commercial viability and longevity,” said Jon Stovell, president and CEO of Reliance Properties in a statement.

Located across from the legislature and within walking distance of the Inner Harbour, the four-storey building was constructed in 1949 and originally intended to be used as a hospital before becoming the headquarters of the BC Power Commission.

The provincial agency occupied the building for approximately 70 years before Reliance purchased the property in 2019.

According to the proposal, the conversion would include a full restoration of the building’s original appearance, preservation of significant architectural features and the addition of a setback rooftop level designed to minimize visual impacts on the historic structure.

The project would also include seismic upgrades, energy-efficient windows, a landscaped rooftop terrace and a ground-floor food and beverage space open to the public.

The building is currently listed on Victoria’s Heritage Register. As part of the redevelopment application, Reliance is seeking full heritage designation for the property.

The proposal comes as Victoria continues to face a shortage of hotel rooms, particularly during the busy tourism season.

Reliance says the conversion would help address that demand while breathing new life into an underutilized office building.

“Our proposed conversion will provide vital tourist infrastructure, support local employment and create an opportunity to welcome the public into an important rehabilitated heritage building,” said Stovell.

If approved, the project would become Reliance’s second office-to-hotel conversion, following a similar redevelopment project currently planned for downtown Vancouver.

The proposal will now undergo a review process, where it will be considered alongside the heritage designation application.

The former BC Power Commission building is considered one of downtown Victoria’s notable post-war structures.

Designed in the Art Deco style, the building features decorative relief patterns, distinctive metal window screens and architectural elements that have helped it remain a recognizable landmark for more than seven decades.

If approved, the redevelopment would preserve many of those defining features while introducing a new chapter for one of downtown Victoria’s historic buildings.