Respecting the past whilst embracing the future can be not only a challenge but a fine balancing act. This is especially true when envisioning and creating new structures in historic urban settings. When done with care, the result is a building that brings fresh energy to the area while complementing the existing historic architecture.
Welcome to The Pearl Residences, now under construction in the heart of Victoria鈥檚 treasured Old Town District overlooking the city鈥檚 picturesque inner harbour. The building鈥檚 design is a testament to merging the past with the modern age, says Jessica Pryde, director of sales and marketing for The Pearl Residences.
鈥淏ecause we鈥檙e in a heritage district, there was a mindfulness to be marrying the old with the new,鈥� Pryde explains. 鈥淪o, on our street fa莽ade we have done a beautiful brick to tie-in with the neighbours and respect the history of the area.鈥�
The building sits on a sloped site with the structure鈥檚 opposite side facing out to the harbour which offered an opportunity to introduce a more modern exterior finish. Pryde notes the architects used metal shingles with a bronze finish, which over time will develop a beautiful patina.
鈥淚t鈥檚 going to reflect the water,鈥� she says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 very soft. I think it鈥檚 with that balance that we鈥檙e going to be our own kind of jewel on the waterfront but in keeping with the integrity of district and the neighbourhood we鈥檙e in.鈥�
The building itself will be classic and timeless, but contemporary, Pryde says.
鈥淭his is about getting into something fresh, but not trendy. It will stand the test of time.鈥�
Though more than 60 per cent of the 133 units are sold, there are fantastic options remaining for both one- and two-bedroom homes, and the project is still at the stage where homebuyers can select one of the two distinct interior colour palettes鈥� whichever best fits with their vision for their space. The colour schemes are themed on the concepts of dark and light, each classic in their own way.
Pryde describes the dark palette as being a little bit more dramatic. 鈥淚 call it 鈥榗ity sophisticate,鈥欌�� she says.
The light palette, she describes as 鈥淲est Coast fresh.鈥�
Both palettes were conceived to complement the airy, light-filled spaces.
The look may be timeless and fresh, but the interior planning for ultimate functionality is decidedly modern. Each suite was purposely envisioned to maximize space for living鈥攖hat all homes have outdoor spaces reflects that鈥攁nd for storage.
鈥淭he interiors are incredibly thoughtfully designed,鈥� Pryde says.
Features like laundry rooms have been incorporated in the design, versus just having a washer and dryer in a closet.
鈥淲e鈥檝e done wonderful storage. Many of our one-bedroom floorplans have a full pantry wall. These are floorplans that make sense. They will look great, but they will be so functional to live in. It鈥檚 such a beautiful balance.鈥�
The kitchens boast quartz countertops and islands that invite you to sit. The appliances are stainless steel, and hand-cut tiles on the backsplash bring an elevated bespoke design detail.
All of the one-bedroom homes have walk-in, spa-inspired showers with both rain and handheld shower heads. The two-bedrooms also feature free-standing soaker tubs and every ensuite in our development offers underfloor heating. A luxury bonus feature, Pryde says, is a forced-air heat pump for heating and cooling in every suite that creates the ultimate climate control.
The Pearl Residences, at 1628 Store Street, will be completed at the end of 2022 with homeowners taking possession in early 2023. One-bedroom homes start at $490,000, and two-bedrooms start at $925,000.
To discover more about the project and available floorplans, visit .
