Rendering of a new project underway in the Fort Common neighbourhood. Photo Credit: Fort Properties
VICTORIA – Fort Properties Ltd. has broken ground on their latest project, The Alma, a 43-unit, six-storey purpose-built rental building at 837 Broughton Street.
Developed by sisters Jayne and Suzanne Bradbury, the project replaces a surface parking lot with rental homes in the Fort Common neighbourhood. The property has been in the Bradbury family since 1957 and is named for the sisters’ paternal grandmother Alma.
“The Alma is a labour of love and a commitment to creating a building for people who want to be part of this neighbourhood,” says co-owner Suzanne Bradbury. “The Fort Common neighbourhood is an urban threshold between a residential community and downtown Victoria, and we look forward to adding key housing to this beautiful area of our city.”
The Alma will offer 42 one-bedroom units and one ground-level live/workspace. Located between Blanshard and Quadra Streets, the building is expected to welcome its first residents in 2028.
The project represents a deliberate vision for the Fort Common neighbourhood — a commitment to replacing underused urban space with homes and contributing to the walkable, mixed-use character that defines this area of Victoria.
“Purpose-built rental housing has become increasingly critical in Victoria’s housing market,” says Mayor Marianne Alto. “Projects like The Alma — privately developed, centrally located, and designed for long-term rental tenure — play a key role in stabilizing supply and giving residents a genuine alternative to the ownership market.”
Leah Bell, Regional Director of the Urban Development Institute, adds “Purpose-built rental housing is essential to building healthy and complete communities. When development is thoughtfully integrated into existing neighbourhoods, it helps ensure people can live close to where they work, supports walkable urban environments, and contributes to long-term community vitality.”
Fort Properties was established in 1953, and has shaped the Fort Common neighbourhood, a block-sized neighbourhood in downtown around the 800-block of Fort Street and the 1000 block of Blanshard. Cascadia Architects is the designer of the building, which will be built by Story Construction.
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