Two of Victoria's oldest heritage buildings, knowned as the Northern Junk buildings, are slated for restoration by Reliance Properties. Photo © VibrantVictoria.ca.

Vancouver-based Reliance Properties has announced plans to restore two historic downtown Victoria buildings.

The Northern Junk buildings, in the 1300-block of Wharf Street along the harbour and just a stones throw from the Johnson Street Bridge, have stood unoccupied for years as one developer after another attempted to secure the valuable real-estate.

“We anticipate a mixed-use residential and commercial project,” said Jon Stovell, general manager of Reliance Properties, a firm that has been involved with heritage restorations in Vancouver for many years.

“These buildings are a very valuable downtown heritage asset, and they’ve been sitting untouched for far too long,” Stovell added while reflecting on the rocky history between the previous owner, Klara Kramer of Oak Bay, and a number of developers interested in working on such a unique opportunity.

Asked why Victoria and why now after so many years of working only in Vancouver, Stovell claimed that many of Vancouver’s heritage buildings have already been restored or are planned to be restored, while the Northern Junk properties, sitting on prime downtown waterfront real-estate, haven’t been touched.

Jon Stovell of Reliance Properties. Photo © VibrantVictoria.ca.

Restoration costs are estimated in “the millions,” although it is too early to define a restoration start date.  Merrick Architecture of Victoria has been hired to work on building plans.

To discussion the Northern Junk properties, please refer to VibrantVictoria.ca’s dedicated discussion thread here.  Reliance Properties’ website can be accessed here.

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