Northern Junk
A Waterfront and Heritage Revitalization Project
The Northern Junk project in Victoria’s downtown core (1314 - 1318 Wharf Street) will enhance the existing vacant buildings located South of the Johnson Street Bridge.
The buildings have been vacant since 1978, creating an unusable portion of what should be a key connection point for the Victoria waterfront and proposed David Foster Way.
The final stage of the approval process was determined at a Public Hearing held by the Victoria City Council. Council heard from members of the public on whether they saw this design as being a positive enhancement to the downtown and Old Town neighbourhoods before making their decision. On August 5, 2021, the proposal was approved! Thank you to the community for your support.
Developer: Reliance Properties/Crosstown Properties
Architect: BOP Architects.
Northern Junk
A Waterfront and Heritage Revitalization Project
The Northern Junk project in Victoria’s downtown core (1314 - 1318 Wharf Street) will enhance the existing vacant buildings located South of the Johnson Street Bridge.
The buildings have been vacant since 1978, creating an unusable portion of what should be a key connection point for the Victoria waterfront and proposed David Foster Way.
The final stage of the approval process was determined at a Public Hearing held by the Victoria City Council. Council heard from members of the public on whether they saw this design as being a positive enhancement to the downtown and Old Town neighbourhoods before making their decision. On August 5, 2021, the proposal was approved! Thank you to the community for your support.
Developer: Reliance Properties/Crosstown Properties
Architect: BOP Architects.
About the Process
The latest designs represent multiple rounds of review and considerate enhancements that reflect community desires. Key design and neighbourhood design elements are highlighted below with full details available in the application document.
On July 29th and August 5th, Council heard from many members of the community, local businesses and neighbours and approved the proposal and approved the proposal.
Further context and information about this application is available in an interview between Jon Stovell, President of Reliance Properties and CBC's Gregor Craigie where Jon shares some of the challenges and opportunities of this proposal.
About the Process
The latest designs represent multiple rounds of review and considerate enhancements that reflect community desires. Key design and neighbourhood design elements are highlighted below with full details available in the application document.
On July 29th and August 5th, Council heard from many members of the community, local businesses and neighbours and approved the proposal and approved the proposal.
Further context and information about this application is available in an interview between Jon Stovell, President of Reliance Properties and CBC's Gregor Craigie where Jon shares some of the challenges and opportunities of this proposal.
"What is the vision of heritage and are we trying to build a waterfront that presents more like the waterfront would have presented in 1860, or are we trying to present … what it’s going to look like in 40 years? That’s I think ultimately a question of what is the vision of this site and does this project meet that vision, and I would look forward to hearing from the public and anyone who has an interest in this project to hear what their thoughts are at a Public Hearing.”
Committee of the Whole September 17 @ 4:34:46
—
Key Design Elements
The design brings new life and vibrancy to the site by considerately integrating the site's future presence into the ever-growing, beautiful and vibrant city. The key ways that the design achieves this is by:
- Enhancing the site with an improved public experience that is safe and deeply connected to the character of Victoria’s waterfront and historic character.
- Creating rental housing stock to support the diverse housing needs in the Capital.
- Delivering high-quality architectural elements that respect and enhance Victoria’s heritage fabric by restoring and honouring the old while creating new uses that bring new life to the buildings.
A Public Waterfront
- Connectivity and public access to the waterfront with lift for accessibility
- Retained natural shoreline characteristics
- Creation of a waterfront walkway as part of ‘David Foster Way’ shoreline walkway
- Bringing life and activity to the park by creating connection between the Northern Junk buildings and Reeson Park
Sustainable Housing
- Inclusion of 47 rental units and outdoor space (in perpetuity)
- Contribution to the diversity of housing in the core
- Considerate design with rooftop common areas
- Mix of studio, 1, 2, and 3 bedroom units, providing housing and outdoor space for individuals and families
Architectural Quality
- Restoration of existing buildings, retaining all exterior and interior masonry walls
- Prominent views of existing buildings enhanced and retained with clear distinction between old and new
- Design that honours existing structures, incorporating them in a new building that respects the Old Town look, feel, and scale
- Enhanced streetscape and the human scale experience of the buildings
- Improved cadence, cohesion, and experience along Wharf street
- Creation of a covered connection alleyway to join the many alleys throughout Old Town
A Vibrant Place to Be
- Design that focuses on making this an enjoyable and safe place for the community
- Contributing to the experience along Wharf Street, making it welcoming and cohesive
- Indoor-outdoor commercial uses for increased activity, bringing life back to the space and returning the use consistent with the historic ‘commercial row’
- Improved safety with a mixed-used building, creating 24 hour use (rental units) and lighting
- Indigenous public art installation on the North wall with prominent views from the Johnson Street Bridge. Artist Selected - Jamin Zuroski!
Additional design details including how the proposal aligns with the City of Victoria's Zoning, Official Community Plan (OCP), Downtown Core Area Plan, Old Town Design Guidelines, and Housing Strategy can be found in the Permit Application.
Site Breakdown (1218 m²)
- 420 m² Open Area
- 797 m² Building Footprint
- Including a public pathway and a covered alley
47 residential rental units (2653 m²)
- 4 Studio Units
- 30 One Bedroom Units
28% Family Units:
- 9 Two Bedroom Units
- 4 Three Bedroom Units
2 commercial retail units (831.5 m²)
56 bicycle parking spots
739 m² shared rooftop patio and green roof
3.4 Floor Space Ratio (OCP allowable Ratio: 4.0)
“[This project] manages heritage and the values heritage embodies while embracing opportunities to integrate the old with the new in a manner that respects the varied and diverse views of the community."
Merinda Conley
Heritage Consultant / Former Victoria Senior Heritage Planner
MRAIC, Assoc. AIA, CET,MAPT,NCI Certified
—
Additional Resources
Download the Rezoning/Heritage Alteration Permit Application R3 for more information on the proposal being considered. This includes information about how this proposal aligns with existing guidelines and bylaws.
Connect with Us
For Development Inquiries:
©2021 Northern Junk Victoria. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Created by Disco Innovation Studio