Downtown Victoria Tour

Courtney Street – 700 Block

716 Courtney Street

This building was built in 1910-11 by architect David C. Frame for the Alexandra Ladies Club, an exclusive women’s club intended as an alternative to the Union Club at 805 Gordon Street, which, at that time, restricted its membership to men only.

The original building permit, issued by the City of Victoria in September 1910, described a “new brick building, 3 story, 30 rooms” to be built as a “club” at an estimated construction cost of $51,200.

The Alexandra Club building is listed on the Canadian Register of Historic Places. It is now used as provincial government offices.

716 Courtney Street, built in 1911 as the Alexandra Ladies Club (photo by Victoria Online Sightseeing Tours)

716 Courtney Street, built in 1911 as the Alexandra Ladies Club (photo by Victoria Online Sightseeing Tours)

Here is a map showing the location of the former Alexandra Club building at 716 Courtney Street:

Here is a Google Street View image showing 716 Courtney Street:

716 Courtney Street, built in 1911 as the Alexandra Ladies Club (photo by Victoria Online Sightseeing Tours)

716 Courtney Street, built in 1911 as the Alexandra Ladies Club (photo by Victoria Online Sightseeing Tours)

The photo below shows some of the original window detailing still in place on the front windows of the the former Alexandra Ladies Club at 716 Courtney Street:

Original window detailing on the front of 716 Courtney Street, built in 1911 as the Alexandra Ladies Club (photo by Victoria Online Sightseeing Tours)

Original window detailing on the front of 716 Courtney Street, built in 1911 as the Alexandra Ladies Club (photo by Victoria Online Sightseeing Tours)

Additional Information About 716 Courtney Street

  • Assessed Value (July 2020): $4,724,000; Land: $2,232,000; Buildings: $2,492,000
  • Assessed Value (July 2019): $5,315,000; Land: $1,691,000; Buildings: $3,624,000
  • Assessed Value (July 2018): $4,630,000; Land: $1,562,000; Buildings: $3,068,000
  • Assessed Value (July 2017): $4,147,000; Land: $1,429,000; Buildings: $2,718,000
  • Assessed Value (July 2016): $3,887,000; Land: $1,359,000; Buildings: $2,528,000
  • Assessed Value (July 2015): $3,380,000; Land: $1,171,000; Buildings: $2,209,000
  • Canadian Register of Historic Places

A Brief History of 716 Courtney Street

This building was built in 1910-11 by architect David C. Frame for the Alexandra Club, an exclusive women’s club intended as an alternative to the Union Club at 805 Gordon Street, which, at that time, restricted its membership to men only.

The original building permit, issued by the City of Victoria in September 1910, described a “new brick building, 3 story, 30 rooms” to be built as a “club” at an estimated construction cost of $51,200.

The Alexandra Club building is listed on the Canadian Register of Historic Places.

After the Alexandra Club went out of business the building was converted into the Windemere Hotel.

It later became the RCMP headquarters in Victoria.

It is currently being used as BC Provincial Government offices.

Here are links to some historic photographs of 716 Courtney Street:

We will add more historical information in the near future.

The Galpin Block, 1017-1021 Government Street. Built in 1884 for Thomas Galpin

The Galpin Block, 1017-1021 Government Street. Built in 1884 for Thomas Galpin

1017-1021 Government Street – Galpin Block

Prior to building 716 Courtney Street as its club building, the Alexandra Club was located in the Galpin Block, 1017 Government Street.

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The Union Club, 805 Gordon Street at Humboldt Street. Built in 1911-1912

The Union Club, 805 Gordon Street at Humboldt Street. Built in 1911-1912

805 Gordon Street – Union Club

The Alexandra Club modeled itself as an all female version of the Union Club, 805 Gordon Street, which at that time was an all male membership.

Read More…

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