741 Fisgard

Establishing a high-density, sustainable gateway development that marks the transition into Victoria’s vibrant downtown core.

741 Fisgard

Located at a highly visible intersection at the entrance to Victoria’s downtown, 741 Fisgard is a22-storey mixed-use tower that introduces a landmark architectural form at acritical city node. This purpose-built residential project incorporates commercial space at grade, secure and extensive bike infrastructure, and thoughtful massing to ensure contextual sensitivity and visual prominence.

Type

Multi-Family Home

Urban Design

Status

Rezoning & development permit submitted 2024

Client

Jawl Residential & Tri-Eagle Development

Location

Victoria, BC

Size

13,327 sq.m / 143,420 sq.ft 22 storeys. 156 residential & 4 commercial units.

Awards

No items found.

Highlights

Distinctive sky gardens punctuate the tower, providing community focal points that respond uniquely to their orientation and height.

A 22-storey mixed-use building situated at a gateway site to Victoria’s downtown core.

Contains 156 purpose-built residential units above four commercial units at grade.

Incorporating a dedicated amenity level above the podium, including extensive outdoor spaces to foster neighbourly interactions with other residents.

Designed with a contemporary podium-and-tower form that reinforces the surrounding urban context.

‍

‍

‍

No items found.

The design incorporates clay panel cladding over the podium to establish a grounded and durable base, contributing to a strong urban character. Horizontal aluminum louvres along the podium provide a sensible screen and complimentary texture.

Extensive glazing is used to maximize access to natural daylight, enhance transparency, and activate the street frontages, fostering a vibrant and engaging public realm. Opaque, insulated glazing panels are incorporated to achieve the high energy performance criteria. A palette of high-quality, weather-resistant materials has been carefully selected to ensure long-term durability and reduce maintenance requirements.

‍

‍

‍

No items found.

One of the primary challenges in the design implementation stemmed from the site's unique role as a gateway into the downtown core. This condition demanded a carefully calibrated massing strategy and an iconic architectural expression to establish a fitting sense of arrival. Additionally, compliance with urban design and street interface guidelines required setting the building face back from the property lines. This decision, while affecting the buildable area, allowed for the creation of generous public realm elements and spill-out zones that enhance the pedestrian experience. Furthermore, the design is removing traditional balconies for the benefit of more comfortable, larger common outdoor areas in multiple locations through the building.

‍

No items found.

A key feature that distinguishes this project is the integration of six unique two-storey “sky gardens” distributed vertically throughout the tower. These outdoor spaces provide residents with access to greenery and fresh air at various levels, creating a new paradigm for vertical living and support social wellbeing as well as healthy outdoor living. At street level, a prominent glazed atrium lobby anchors the corner of the site, reinforcing the building’s unique presence. Complementing this is a linear food court along the western edge, which brings energy to an existing through-block pedestrian connector and further activates the public realm.

No items found.

The project supports the evolving high-density character of the Blanshard Street corridor, aligning with the scale and intensity of nearby developments such as The Hudson. While it integrates sensitively with its surroundings, it also establishes a landmark identity that responds to the site's role as a prominent urban threshold in a growing capital city. At ground level, the design actively engages with and enhances the existing vibrant pedestrian network of the downtown core, contributing positively to the community fabric.

‍

No items found.

Public realm enhancements were a central design priority, with features such as wide sidewalks, weather-protected areas, and lush planters contributing to a welcoming streetscape. Building entries and primary uses are strategically oriented to ensure maximum visibility and accessibility. The project also places significant emphasis on safety and security, incorporating Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles, including natural surveillance via transparency and integrated lighting strategies.

No items found.

No items found.

No items found.

The Team

ArchitectsCascadia Architects in collaboration with BoForm

Interior DesignCascadia Architects

Structural EngineerRJC

Electrical EngineerAES

Landscape ArchitectMDI Landscape Architects

Civil EngineerJE Anderson

‍

Next Project

You've reached the end of the Case Studies list. Return to the Case Studies page.

Cook and Pendergast

Plexxis Office Building

1120 Burdett Ave

1030 Fort Street

Queenswood Daycare

2326 Oak Bay Avenue Residences

Historic Yates Block Reno

Tall Tree Mental Health Clinic at Mattick's

May Street Passive House Fourplex

888 Attree Avenue

Acorn Optometry

The Root Cellar

Environment and Climate Change Canada, UVIC Queenswood Campus

Bowker Collection

Black and White

Island Health MDRD at Saanich Peninsula Hospital

Tall Tree Physiotherapy and Integrated Care Clinic Capital Park

Apex Site Study

Centennial Square Pop-up

Austin Pump Station

1001 Blanshard Street

Red Barn Market Oak Bay Avenue

Fort Street Parklet

Arriving at Douglas Street Charrette

Tall Tree Physiotherapy and Integrated Care Clinic Mattick’s

The Clive Residences