1102 Government Street

Downtown Victoria Tour

Government Street – 1100 Block

1102 Government Street / 530 Fort Street

This two storey brick building at 1102 Government Street/ 530 Fort Street is one of the oldest buildings in downtown Victoria. It was originally built circa 1869 as a single story commercial building for J.J. Southgate and H.D. Laschelles and is still referred to by architectural historians as the Southgate-Leschelles Building. It is believed to have been designed by architect Richard Lewis. It was listed on the Canadian Register of Historic Places in 1975.

This was originally a single storey building. The second floor was added circa 1887.

The Southgate-Laschelles Building, 1102 Government Street/530 Fort Street, built circa 1869 for J.J. Southgate and H.D. Laschelles

Here’s a map showing the location of 1102 Government Street:

Here is a Google Street View image of 1102 Government Street / 530 Fort Street:

The tower at the rear of 1102 Government Street / 530 Fort Street conceals a microwave tower.

Tower at the rear of 1102 Government Street.

Additional Information About 1102 Government Street / 530 Fort Street:

• Assessed Value (July 2019): $6,557,000; Land $3,961,100 Buildings $1,596,900
• Assessed Value (July 2018): $4,871,000; Land $3,274,100 Buildings $1,596,900
• Assessed Value (July 2017): $4,419,900; Land $2,858,900 Buildings $1,561,000
• Assessed Value (July 2016): $3,855,700; Land $2,246,600 Buildings $1,609,100
• Assessed Value (July 2015): $3,617,600; Land $2,029,500 Buildings $1,588,100
• Canadian Register of Historic Places – 1102 Wharf Street was recognized in 1975 and listed in 2010
• Hallmark Heritage Society

A Brief History of the Southgate & Laschelles Building, 1102 Government Street

Here are links to some historic photos of this building and its builders:

• BC Archives photo A-01871 – Joseph J. Southgate, circa 1870
• BC Archives photo E-00704 – Canadian Pacific ticket office, circa 1890
• BC Archives photo I-01660 – 1947. Photographer: Duncan Macphail

This two storey brick building at 1102 Government Street / 530 Fort Street was built circa 1862 and is one of the oldest buildings in downtown Victoria. It was listed on the Canadian Register of Historic Places in 1975.

It was originally built circa 1869 as a single story commercial building for Joseph .J. Southgate and H.D. Laschelles and is still referred to by architectural historians as the Southgate-Leschelles Building. It is believed to have been designed by architect Richard Lewis.

The second floor was added circa 1887.

Until 1908, this building covered more ground than it does now. In 1908 the north section of the building was demolished to allow construction of 1108 Government Street, now Munro’s Books.

For much of its history, this building was used by the Canadian Pacific Railway, both as a ticket booking and reservation office and as a telegraph, and later a telex, facility.

The building still has a telecommunications use. There is a tower at the rear of the building, bordering Langley Street, which contains a concealed microwave tower.

Here are links to some Historic Victoria Advertisements for businesses which have been in this building over the decades. We will be adding more over time.

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