1108 Government Street (Munro’s Books)

Downtown Victoria Tour

Government Street – 1100 Block

1108 Government Street – Munro’s Books

1108 Government Street is now Munro’s Books, but it was originally built in 1909-10 by architect Thomas Hooper for the Royal Bank of Canada.

This building was formally recognized by the Canadian Register of Historic Places in 1975 and listed in 2010.

Here’s a map showing the location of 1108 Government Street.

Here is a Google Street View image of 1108 Government Street:

Here is a promotional drawing of 1108 Government Street released by the Royal Bank of Canada and architect Thomas Hooper in 1909.

Additional Information About 1108 Government Street

• Assessed Value (July 2018): $5,308,000; Land – $2,856,000, Buildings – $2,452,000
• Assessed Value (July 2017): $4,845,000; Land – $2,323,000, Buildings – $2,522,000
• Assessed Value (July 2016): $4,257,000; Land – $1,700,000, Buildings – $2,557,000
• Assessed Value (July 2015): $4,060,000; Land – $1,544,000, Buildings – $2,506,000
• Assessed Value (July 2014): $4,059,000; Land – $1,558,000, Buildings – $2,501,000
• Canadian Register of Historic Places

A Brief History of 1108 Government Street

This building was designed in 1909 by architect Thomas Hooper for the Royal Bank of Canada, which used the building as its main bank branch in downtown Victoria.

The original building permit, issued in November 1909 by the City of Victoria, refers to a “new brick building, 2 story, 8 rooms” with an estimated construction cost of $45,000.

Although this was originally a two story building, the second story has been removed.

The building was used by the Royal Bank until the 1980’s. It was acquired by Munro’s Books in 1985 and converted to its present use as a bookstore.

This building was formally recognized by the Canadian Register of Historic Places in 1975 and listed in 2010.

Here are links to some historic photos of this building:

• City of Victoria Archives photo M07053 – 1100 Block Government Street, circa 1900, prior to construction of 1108 Government Street
• BC Archives photo E-02949 – 1100 block Government Street, looking north, circa 1914
• City of Victoria Archives photo M08064 – 1955

Here are links to some Historic Victoria Advertisements about 1108 Government Street:

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