On the heels of a near-sell-out at Abstract Developments’ Cadence condominium in Saanich, the Victoria-based builder-developer is set to make a final release of homes at Central Block, a 99-suite pre-construction offering, prior to a construction start in March of 2023.

 

Planned for 1075 Tillicum Road at the entrance to Esquimalt Gorge Park, Central Block’s pre-sale release, slated for early September, will include a collection of one, two and three-bedroom homes with junior and den options attainably priced from the mid-$300,000s.

 

Rising to six-storeys, the future landmark presents a rare opportunity to purchase a Gorge Waterway residence in a central location with direct transit access to downtown Victoria, UVic and CFB Esquimalt, and in proximity to walkable amenities like a grocery store, parkland, restaurants, and more.

 

“The Gorge Waterway is one of Victoria’s most coveted water features, spanning from downtown Victoria to Esquimalt, Saanich and View Royal, and condominium housing overlooking the waterway is exceptionally rare,” says Tavish Rai, Abstract Developments’ Executive Vice-President.

 

“The chance to purchase a home or investment property adjacent to parkland, near valuable amenities and overlooking the Gorge Waterway in a car-lite setting is truly one-of-a-kind,” Rai continued.

 

Designed as an architectural statement for the burgeoning municipality of Esquimalt, Central Block’s rich exterior detail will extend to high quality interiors professionally curated by award-winning i3 Interior Design, delivering timeless aesthetic that is durable and efficient on space.

 

Each residence opens 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). Window coverings are included throughout, with black-out blinds in bedrooms.

 

An exterior rendering of Central Block, coming to 1075 Tillicum Road at the Gorge Waterway in Esquimalt.  Abstract Developments

  

Kitchens are functional and bright, with quartz countertops and a feature wall accent in one of six designer colours. Chic flat-panel soft-close cabinetry is equipped with under-cabinet lighting, and the stainless steel single or double-bowl under-mount sink is paired to a matte black faucet complementing a high-end stainless steel appliance package.

 

Thoughtfully designed millwork adds to the spa-like experience in bathrooms made uniquely distinct through a floating vanity below a circular mirror, motion-censored cabinet lighting is standard for each home, and a thick quartz counter is mated to a custom backsplash. Deep profile soaker tubs and/or showers are accented by hand-set grey custom floor tiles.

 

In terms of build quality, Rai says Central Block will take full advantage of Abstract’s more than two decades of experience overseeing a wide range of development styles, that include luxury condominiums in Rockland, luxury townhomes throughout the south Island, and up-market condominiums like Fifteen88 in Saanich and Bowker Collection in Oak Bay.

 

“At every Abstract community, we use the best practices developed over 20-plus years of new and custom home construction to provide our purchasers peace of mind, and trend-setting conveniences,” Rai said, adding that “in terms of privacy and ambiance, Central Block will be built with high quality floor assemblies comprised of a concrete topping and acoustic insulation, and to take full advantage of the Gorge Waterway, we’re providing kayak or paddleboard storage in addition to bicycle storage and storage lockers.” 

 

Amenities, meanwhile, are designed to be practical and responsive to today’s changing needs. Central Block’s Portage Commons will be an indoor space suitable for co-working or group events, with break-out rooms, a kitchenette and workstations. Outside, Portage Garden will provide residents with a private outdoor relaxation and zen experience that has multiple seating areas for private or group settings. And the Portage Rooftop, according to Rai, will be magnificent.

 

"The beauty of the waterway, and the urban canopy of Esquimalt, will be on full display for every resident as part of our Portage Rooftop, which will be a must-see amenity for entertaining, grilling, and taking in stunning views, sunrises and sunsets," Rai said.

 

Fresh on the heels of Abstract’s sales effort for Cadence (a nearly sold-out condominium in Saanich’s upper Quadra area), the first pre-sale release for Central Block will get underway in September at the developer’s Home Store presentation centre at 3198 Douglas Street, where purchasers can view Central Block’s finishings, floorplans and speak with the sales team.

 

Construction for Central Block will begin in March of 2023. Occupancy is targeted for 2024.

 

On the pricing front, the first release has junior one-bedroom layouts available from the mid-$300,000s, and one-bedrooms from the upper $400,000s. Two-bedroom homes are priced from the upper $500,000s and three-bedroom floorplans are starting in the low $800,000s.

 

To learn more about homeownership opportunities at Central Block, and to view the project’s official sales website, click here. To connect with a sales representative, call 250-590-5130 to book your private viewing of the Central Block presentation centre at the Douglas Street Home Store. C

 

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