Respecting the past whilst embracing the future can be not only a challenge but a fine balancing act. This is especially true when envisioning and creating new structures in historic urban settings. When done with care, the result is a building that brings fresh energy to the area while complementing the existing historic architecture.
Welcome to The Pearl Residences, now under construction in the heart of Victoria’s treasured Old Town District overlooking the city’s picturesque inner harbour. The building’s design is a testament to merging the past with the modern age, says Jessica Pryde, director of sales and marketing for The Pearl Residences.
“Because we’re in a heritage district, there was a mindfulness to be marrying the old with the new,” Pryde explains. “So, on our street façade we have done a beautiful brick to tie-in with the neighbours and respect the history of the area.”
The building sits on a sloped site with the structure’s opposite side facing out to the harbour which offered an opportunity to introduce a more modern exterior finish. Pryde notes the architects used metal shingles with a bronze finish, which over time will develop a beautiful patina.
“It’s going to reflect the water,” she says. “It’s very soft. I think it’s with that balance that we’re going to be our own kind of jewel on the waterfront but in keeping with the integrity of district and the neighbourhood we’re in.”
The building itself will be classic and timeless, but contemporary, Pryde says.
“This is about getting into something fresh, but not trendy. It will stand the test of time.”
Though more than 60 per cent of the 133 units are sold, there are fantastic options remaining for both one- and two-bedroom homes, and the project is still at the stage where homebuyers can select one of the two distinct interior colour palettes— whichever best fits with their vision for their space. The colour schemes are themed on the concepts of dark and light, each classic in their own way.
Pryde describes the dark palette as being a little bit more dramatic. “I call it ‘city sophisticate,’” she says.
The light palette, she describes as “West Coast fresh.”
Both palettes were conceived to complement the airy, light-filled spaces.
The look may be timeless and fresh, but the interior planning for ultimate functionality is decidedly modern. Each suite was purposely envisioned to maximize space for living—that all homes have outdoor spaces reflects that—and for storage.
“The interiors are incredibly thoughtfully designed,” Pryde says.
Features like laundry rooms have been incorporated in the design, versus just having a washer and dryer in a closet.
“We’ve done wonderful storage. Many of our one-bedroom floorplans have a full pantry wall. These are floorplans that make sense. They will look great, but they will be so functional to live in. It’s such a beautiful balance.”
The kitchens boast quartz countertops and islands that invite you to sit. The appliances are stainless steel, and hand-cut tiles on the backsplash bring an elevated bespoke design detail.
All of the one-bedroom homes have walk-in, spa-inspired showers with both rain and handheld shower heads. The two-bedrooms also feature free-standing soaker tubs and every ensuite in our development offers underfloor heating. A luxury bonus feature, Pryde says, is a forced-air heat pump for heating and cooling in every suite that creates the ultimate climate control.
The Pearl Residences, at 1628 Store Street, will be completed at the end of 2022 with homeowners taking possession in early 2023. One-bedroom homes start at $490,000, and two-bedrooms start at $925,000.
To discover more about the project and available floorplans, visit thepearlresidences.ca.
