The recent topping-off ceremony at The Sovereign speaks to a solid belief in Victoria’s downtown

When a developer pushes forward on a project over the span of seven years, patiently seeing it through the ups and downs of zoning and approvals, riding out the rodeo-romp of a real estate tumble, and hanging on in the face of a fast-changing economic climate, you know they believe in Victoria as a world-class place to call home. Such is the case with Chard Development, which on May 8th held a topping-off ceremony on the twelfth floor of The Sovereign in downtown Victoria. Twenty-five people gathered on the rooftop during a sunny lunch hour to be a part of “the final pour”. Victoria Councillor Chris Coleman and Downtown Victoria Business Association General Manager Ken Kelly bore messages of respect and admiration for the Chard team, referring to the company’s prior projects – such as The 834 on Johnson, Juliet and Corazon – that demonstrate its investment in Victoria. With refined new condos like The Sovereign, Victoria’s core receives an energetic influx of style, quality, and most importantly, people who want to make their homes in the downtown area. All of it adds up to a revitalized, dynamic city centre where people shop, eat, play and live. Duet and The Sovereign, Chard’s two current projects in town, average a sale every week – testament to the value that new condo construction offers, and the lifestyle benefits of living in the downtown core. “I have seen such a positive change in downtown Victoria over the past decade,” says Jeff Griffiths, marketing manager for Chard. “New developments have introduced about fifteen hundred new residences to the downtown core.” Despite Chard being one of the earliest believers in breathing life back into Victoria, Griffiths is quick to share the laurels with other developers. “The success of our buildings and other developers’ projects in downtown is proof of the strong desire people have to call Victoria home,” he says, noting that new condo sales in Victoria are particularly strong in the core. Construction on The Sovereign is nearing the finish line, with 60 percent of the suites sold and completion slated for September 2013. Most buyers are local people who are already familiar with the convenience and ease of condo living. As a small strata with only 36 suites, The Sovereign is particularly appealing. With prices ranging from $459,900 for an 807 square-foot two-bedroom suite to a cool $3,979,000 for the 3,235 square-foot whole-floor penthouse, The Sovereign offers a central location, a heritage-styled building that enhances an already classic neighbourhood, up-to-the-minute amenities (dual-car elevator, anyone?) and the most luxurious finishes imaginable. And how about that rooftop terrace with its chic glass-walled fireplace, outdoor kitchen and west-facing view across the Inner Harbour? Boasting 36 boutique homes as well as office and retail space, The Sovereign points to a buoyant confidence in Victoria’s downtown. “More people downtown means opportunity, energy and revitalization,” says Fran Hobbis, chair of the Downtown Victoria Business Association, “and that in turn means our future is bright.” Maybe almost as bright as those epic Inner Harbour sunsets.