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Gorge Waterway's 50% sold Central Block condo well underway, as spring sales phase nears

A rendering of Central Block, a 99-suite condominium under construction at 1075 Tillicum Road in Esquimalt, opposite Esquimalt Gorge Park along the Gorge Waterway. The project is 50% sold-out, with a second phase of sales starting soon, according to developer Abstract.  Abstract Developments

Gorge Waterway's 50% sold Central Block condo well underway, as spring sales phase nears
Mike Kozakowski, Citified.ca
A six-storey condominium project along Esquimalt’s Gorge Waterway is nearing its second phase of sales with 50% of homes now sold, Citified has learned.
 
Abstract Developments’ Central Block – coming in early 2026 to 1075 Tillicum Road (see Central Block's website) opposite Esquimalt Gorge Park – is comprised of 99 residences in junior one-bedroom through three-bedroom layouts. Abstract's first phase of pre-sales was one of the best-received condominium offerings of 2023 anywhere in the Capital Region, featuring landmark architecture, a commercial space at-grade, and up-market finishings the Abstract brand is known for.
 
“Demand for homes in Esquimalt has propelled Central Block’s condominiums, with Gorge Waterway, parkland and urban views, to a significant sales milestone,” says Tavish Rai, Abstract’s CEO. “We look forward to launching our second sales program this spring, featuring some of Central Block’s most desirable suite layouts and view homes that remain.”
 
“Construction is on schedule and progressing well. Passersby will have noticed a red construction crane on the property as under-ground work begins to accelerate and we near above-ground building,” Rai said, adding that adjacent traffic calming improvements along Tillicum Road have already begun as part of Esquimalt’s infrastructure modernization plans.
 
Its collection of junior one-bedroom, one-bedroom, junior two-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom layouts, Central Block’s homes have drawn a wide spectrum of purchasers, from end-users seeking downsizing opportunities in a niche location adjacent to parkland and along the waterfront, to first time homebuyers looking for high value pre-sale opportunities, and investors, with an eye to future use for children or in retirement, or as homes available to the rental market.
 
Priced from $379,900, Central Block remains a value leader among the Capital’s pre-sale condominiums. Each home’s designer-curated layout and millwork finishings take advantage of up-market trends expected at an Abstract-designed project to not only deliver leading interiors today, but to give purchasers long-lasting peace of mind.
 
 Construction crews working on Central Block, at 1075 Tillicum Road in Esquimalt.
Construction is progressing at Central Block, underway along Tillicum Road opposite Esquimalt Gorge Park in Esquimalt.  Abstract Developments
 
Residences open to nine foot over-height ceilings in living areas to one of two distinct interior colour palettes (available in light and medium tones) with six accent colours to choose from. Luxurious durable wide plank oak-inspired vinyl hardwood flooring sets the tone for material quality (plush, premium carpets are standard in bedrooms).
 
Efficient use of space yields thoughtful function, and each layout’s smart interiors feature double-door entry into closets (from bedrooms and entryways), and full-height built-in pantries to make the most of the urban floorplans. Large windows and terrace entrances fill homes with natural daylight, perfectly framing parkland, urban and Gorge views beyond.
 
In terms of amenities, communal areas will be practical and responsive to today’s changing needs. The ‘Portage Commons’ will be an indoor space suitable for co-working or group events, in addition to break-out rooms, a kitchenette and workstations. Outside, the ‘Portage Gardens’ is a private outdoor relaxation and zen experience that has multiple seating areas for private or group settings. And picture perfect views from atop the ‘Portage Rooftop’ are paired with a large entertaining and gathering space that features an outdoor kitchen and barbecue.
 
Elise Virtue, Senior Sales Associate with Abstract, says Central Block’s amenity package is one of the most refined on the market, thanks to its tangible, value-focused benefits for residents and investors.
 
“We are so fortunate to have the beautiful Gorge Waterway on our doorstep, where every resident, regardless of which suite they live in, can enjoy amazing views from a well appointed rooftop amenity area,” Virtue said. “Work-from-home is top-of-mind for our design team, through a focus on meaningful work spaces that will allow professionals to seamlessly bridge in and out-of-office needs. There is significant value to a robust amenity package, and we believe Central Block is ahead of the curve for its adoption of changing social needs and expectations.”
 
Central Block’s ground level commercial space remains available for purchase, Virtue confirms, adding that interest in the space has already picked up. Additionally, underground secure parking will provide spaces for residents and visitors, along with a commercial parking dedication.
 
Meanwhile, Abstract’s six-storey Cadence condominium, nearly sold-out of its 77 homes, is well underway on upper Quadra Street in Saanich, and marks Abstract’s second Saanich condominium project following Fifteen88's 2021 completion along North Dairy Road. The most recently completed community by Abstract is Sparrow, a now sold-out six-storey, 49-home condominium on Cook Street at Hillside Avenue in Victoria that welcomed homeowners earlier this year. 
 
To learn more about homeownership opportunities at Central Block, click here. To connect with a sales representative, call 250-590-5130 to book your private viewing of the second phase of homes at Central Block’s Douglas Street Home Store presentation centre. C
 
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