The windows are framed in black tile, there’s a rabbit on the stove, bresaola in the cooler and a rack of patés that inspire drooling even at 10 am. Free-range white Cornish hens, Strasbourg terrine, pork and duck rillettes are the specials on a chalkboard. The windowpanes are adorned with depictions of pigs in various states of ecstasy. Très Euro.

Reading the description of one of downtown Victoria’s best-loved charcuteries, you would be forgiven for thinking you were in Paris, Montreal or Prague. That BC’s sleepy capital has come a long way from the mere “quaint” and “charming” (which it still has in spades) to something along the more “sophisticated” and “worldly” lines has everything to do with its dedicated downtowners and a few careful developers.

Though I have yet to set foot in Victoria, I was given plenty of reasons to head west while working on the 834 Johnson - the latest downtown development by Chard. Positioning itself as the ‘new face of downtown’, the campaign was all about featuring the neighbourhood and neighbours who make it so special. Book store, café and shop owners generously gave their trust and time to the cause, making the 834 Johnson one of the friendliest urban projects I’ve ever seen. That, coupled with exciting environmental aspects such as a green wall, greywater heating and communal bike facilities, make the 834 something all of downtown Victoria can be proud of.

Click on the jpg below to check out the project, and the many faces of downtown Victoria!

Client: Resonance