Spencer Block Featured in Victoria News

We’re thrilled to share that Spencer Block was featured in Victoria News. The Sept. 18 article, “Phase one of purpose-built rental building opens in downtown Victoria,” covers the opening of our first phase in Downtown Victoria.

What Victoria News Reported

Victoria News reported that Nicola Real Estate marked the opening of Spencer Block on Sept. 15. The community will bring 278 rental homes to Downtown Victoria across two buildings, in a mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom layouts. The paper noted that with phase one open and well over half leased, Spencer Block is set to become one of the largest rental projects delivered in Victoria.

Reenergizing a Downtown Block

The article included a comment from Josh Anderson, Vice President of Development at Nicola Real Estate, on the thinking behind the project: “The goal from the outset for Spencer Block was always to create re-energization of this large city block and pull the energy of downtown further north.” He added, “We wanted a building that engaged the streets and the neighbourhood, but also created a soft, inward-looking courtyard space right at the centre of the city, all with the convenience of downtown outside, and a quieter and more private space within.”

Good News for Downtown Businesses

Victoria News also highlighted what Spencer Block means for the neighbourhood. Citing the Downtown Victoria Business Association’s 2026 annual report, the article noted that downtown welcomed more than 44.3 million visits and recorded 2,631 business licences in 2025. Hundreds of new residents will bring a built-in customer base to nearby shops, restaurants, and services, and new ground-floor retail along Herald and Government streets will add to that activity.

Jeff Bray, CEO of the Downtown Victoria Business Association, was quoted in the piece: “When you bring more people to live in this part of downtown, you’re going to bring more commercial activity, more investment, and this is a sign of confidence when you have one of the largest residential projects nearing completion.”

Where We Are Now

Phase one is open, with more than 60% of homes already leased. The second building is scheduled for completion in January 2027.

Come See Spencer Block

Spencer Block offers over 18,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor amenities, including a landscaped courtyard, coworking spaces, fitness and wellness facilities, social lounges, and pet-friendly amenities.

Explore current availability and book your tour here.

Read the full story on Victoria News: https://vicnews.com/2026/09/18/phase-one-of-purpose-built-rental-building-opens-in-downtown-victoria