Two heritage homes rolling past the Fairmont Empress Hotel by truck, and then sailing through Victoria Harbour and around James Bay on barge was a unexpected, surprising sight.
To preserve Victoria’s rich history, Concert and Jawl Properties carefully moved these two homes from January 18 to 20, 2016 to their new lots on Dallas Road. Their original location on Michigan Street is part of the master-planned community – Capital Park – now currently under construction just south of the Parliament Buildings.
History that was unearthed about these homes demonstrate how they fit into the broader story of Victoria's early development. The first home, showcasing Victorian-era Italianate architecture, was already moved once in 1910 – just 18 years after being built – from its original location on Superior Street to allow for the construction of the Legislative Library. Built in 1911, the second home operated as a boarding house in response to the increased need for rental housing during the Edwardian era’s social and economic transition.
After revitalization and heritage designation, the houses will be sold as single-family homes.
Click here to watch a short video of this complex three-day process.