A monumental waterfront building, Customs House was built in 1914, on the massive granite foundations of the city’s 1898 Post Office.
A monumental waterfront building, Customs House was built in 1914, on the massive granite foundations of the city’s 1898 Post Office.
Built by the Government of Canada, the combined Post Office and Customs House sat on the area of land bound by Government, Courtney, Wharf and Humboldt Streets. Strategically sited between the business district, and the parliament buildings across the harbour, it was considered Victoria’s most impressive structure.
A devastating fire started in the top floors of the Post Office and Customs House on January 18, 1937, damaging portions of the 1898 building. Repairs were made and postal service returned to normal within a day, but the federal government refused to make fireproof improvements.
In 1957 a modernist building opened on Government Street, attached to the remaining 1914 addition. Designed by an architectural firm specializing in hospitals, the new Federal Building and Customs House was disliked by locals. Critics felt the design turned its back on Government Street and did not suit the historic context of the Inner Harbour.
By 2013 the Government of Canada had vacated the Federal Building and Customs House, and listed the property for sale. A year later it was purchased by Cielo Properties with a vision to restore the historic property and create the premier residential development on the Victoria waterfront. After architectural and engineering assessments, it was determined that apart from restoration of the historic facade, the entire building would be replaced with new construction.
The new Customs House will once again link the Inner Harbour and Old Town. The design is contemporary in appearance but inspired by the heritage of the site’s original buildings. The 57 luxurious homes at Customs House will become known as Victoria’s most prestigious address and will offer a rare opportunity for premium waterfront home ownership.
Now more than a century old, the iconic Customs House building will again takes its rightful place as an important part of Victoria’s architectural heritage.
Unit 306-888 Government St, Victoria, British Columbia
V8W 0G5