Spencer Block Is Open: 278 Rental Homes Arrive in Downtown Victoria
In September, we celebrated the opening of Spencer Block.
Spencer Block is Open
In September, we celebrated the opening of Spencer Block, a new purpose-built rental community at Herald and Government in Downtown Victoria. Project partners, local businesses, civic leaders, and our first residents came together to mark the completion of phase one.
Spencer Block will bring 278 rental homes to the city. Phase one is already more than 60% leased, and the second building is scheduled for completion in January 2027. When it’s done, Spencer Block will be one of the largest purpose-built rental projects delivered in Victoria to date.
A Home Between Chinatown, Old Town, and Downtown
Spencer Block sits where three of Victoria’s most walkable neighbourhoods meet. Across two buildings, you’ll find studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes designed for long-term urban living, with ground-floor retail along Herald and Government streets.
“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,” explained Josh Anderson, Vice President of Development, Nicola Real Estate. “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.”
Over 18,000 Square Feet of Space to Live, Work, and Gather
Spencer Block’s amenities are built around how residents actually spend their time. At the heart of the community is one of Downtown Victoria’s largest landscaped residential courtyards. Around it you’ll find coworking spaces, fitness and wellness facilities, social lounges, and pet-friendly amenities.
Resident-only spaces include:
- The Common Lounge
- The Lobby Workshop
- The Athletic Club
- Flow Studio
- The Outdoor Grove
Good for the Neighbourhood, Too
Spencer Block was designed to strengthen its surroundings. Victoria is working to meet an estimated 8,000 to 9,000 units of unmet housing demand, and the project adds new homes within an established, well-connected part of the city. According to the Downtown Victoria Business Association’s 2026 Annual Report, 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 the shops, restaurants, and services nearby.
Mayor Marianne Alto joined us at the celebration. “I have been waiting for this particular project to open for a really long time,” she said. “The 278 rental units that are going to be here when it’s finished will dramatically change the north end of downtown, and it will create an opportunity for people to really experience what it’s like to live in the 21st century in an urban Victoria.”
Jeff Bray, CEO of the Downtown Victoria Business Association, echoed that optimism. “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.”
Best on the Block
To help new residents get to know the neighbourhood, Nicola Real Estate created Best on the Block, a guide to local businesses within walking distance of Spencer Block. It features favourites like Rabbit Rabbit, Phillips Brewing, F45, Pvolve, VI Plant Shop, and more.
Come See Spencer Block
Homes are leasing now. Browse current available floorplans and leasing information, and follow Spencer Block on Instagram for project news and updates.
Spencer Block is developed by Nicola Real Estate, the in-house real estate team at Nicola Wealth. It reflects a long-term investment in Downtown Victoria and the future of purpose-built rental housing.
