Big plans are in the works for a small property at 950 Fort Street in downtown Victoria’s Harris Green district, according to land owner de Hoog & Kierulf Architects.

A letter posted to the storefront window by the existing single-storey building’s sole tenant, Daisy Chain Florists, informs customers that the site is envisioned to become a four-storey multi-use building with retail spaces on the ground floor and office space above.

de Hoog & Keirulf purchased the site earlier this year with the intent of redeveloping the land into a new head office. The firm’s existing location is situated immediately across the street.

While neither of the partners at de Hoog & Kierulf could be reached by press time, sources at the office told Citified that the concept is still in its infancy and no formal permit applications have been filed with the City, nor are conceptual design drawings available for public viewing.

Staff do confirm, however, that plans call for the demolition of the existing building to make way for a multi-storey commercial development, and that the project does not include any neighbouring properties.

According to fire insurance plans available at the City of Victoria archives office, the small commercial storefront at 950 Fort Street has existed at the site in essentially its present-day form since at least 1885, making it one of the earliest still-existing structures along upper Fort Street.

The home was originally listed as the residence of a Mr. John Charles Leask, who appeared to have arrived in Victoria in 1882 or 1883 as a teamster, and soon after established a tailoring business at the corner of Government and Fort streets.

The former residence has been a retail location for more than 70 years and has been occupied in previous decades by a dress maker and an antique dealer. The owners of Daisy Chain Florists declined to comment on the upcoming development and the relocation of the business. C

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