greatness takes time
1021 COOK STREET, VICTORIA BC
20 Revitalized Character Apartment Homes
2 Thoughtfully Designed Urban Townhomes
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3 Neighbourhood Commercial Spaces
THE BELL APARTMENTS
Rich with original character, the Bell Apartments’ first two storeys were built in 1912, with its third storey addition built in 1944. The Bell Apartments is a beautiful example of a heritage restoration that puts an emphasis on original details, finishes and features. Instead of modernizing the interiors, we have rehabilitated the building with history in mind. Although some fixtures and finishes are new, they harken to years past, and wherever possible, we’ve kept and restored original materials such as the hardwood flooring, wood details and wainscotting as well as the original entry stair handrail. Anyone who appreciates the historic character of Victoria’s past will fall in love with this truly unique building.
FEATURES
SMEG REFRIGERATORS
ORIGINAL WAINSCOTTING
PATTERNED CONCRETE TILE
SOLID WOOD CABINETRY
ORIGINAL HARDWOOD FLOORS
WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE
BEACON HILL PARK
DOWNTOWN CORE
COOK STREET VILLAGE
DALLAS ROAD WATERFRONT
The Rigby Floor
The Rigby floor captures the original character of the building’s 1912 construction. Original wainscotting, claw foot bathtubs and high ceilings are a few of Rigby’s notable features.
The Kennedy Floor
The Kennedy floor features granite countertops, new soaker bathtubs, and patterned concrete tile. This level was added on to the building in 1944, so stylistically we’ve updated it to be slightly more current than the Rigby floor below which features the building’s original construction.
The Townhouses
Bringing a charm all their own to Bell Apartments, this handsome pair of 2-bedroom townhomes underwent an impressive conversion from former industrial warehouse space to modern live/work rental housing.
The past, present & future.
A building rich in history & character
The past, present and future of the Bell Apartments is a trilogy that will have an impact on the urban fabric of Victoria for years to come. At just over a century old, the building contains several details representative of the quality craftsmanship of its time, and has been home to countless residents, including married couple Alick Thomas Bentall Charlesworth and Elizabeth Rosina May Price, who were wed on Saltspring Island in October 1915.
Charlesworth was a Corporal in the 88th Battalion and tragically lost his life on May 30th, 1917, while piloting a DH4 bomber overseas during WWI. Heartbroken, Elizabeth was left to mourn her young husband’s death. The poppy worn by the female figure on the south facade’s mural (created by local artist, Lydia Beauregard) is an homage to the courage and sacrifice made by Charlesworth and so many others.
In 1944, the Bell Apartments saw the addition of a third floor, and 10 new apartment homes. Walking through the rooms, it’s easy to imagine this past era; the natural light pouring in through the windows, and the warm hardwood floors - still in place today - bearing the footfalls of residents from all walks of life. Word has it, the building has been home to a large number of artists over the years, and indeed, the high ceilings of the second floor and original wainscotting paired with new features like patterned tile and brand new kitchens, make the Bell Apartments a truly inspired place to live. This characteristic is at the heart of the intention of this revitalization project: to provide a quality living environment that in turn allows residents to live their own inspired life.
This unassuming but beautiful building has been a part of the cityscape for 106 years, and by breathing new life into its walls and adding novelty features where appropriate, our goal is to further extend its presence within the community for decades to come.
The 40s & a 3rd Storey
Time for change
Today, the Bell Apartments tips its cap to the past, but also looks toward a bright & bold future. For example, in 1940 Ernest Hemingway wrote what is often regarded as one of the greatest war novels of all time: For Whom the Bell Tolls, a story of camaraderie and sacrifice. There are references (some more subtle than others) to this book throughout the building, including this passage from its pages displayed on an interior corridor wall: “For what are we born if not to aid one another?”– which is as poignant a reminder in our present day lives as it was decades ago.
Furthermore, the Suffragette woman depicted in paint on the building’s exterior represents individuality, equality and a shifting cultural climate, and she will remain an artful landmark on Cook Street as time ticks on. Adjacent to the Bell Apartments is a brand new rental building also owned and managed by GMC, and aptly named The Charlesworth. This building was designed to respect its stylistic and architectural context while not denying its own time period. The buildings complement each other, and The Charlesworth brings a contemporary authenticity to the neighbourhood. Lady Bell’s southward gaze remains unobstructed, and we believe the community will be strengthened by conscientious and progressive urban development that is motivated by a desire to enrich the lives of its residents, old and new.
Rigby Floor Plans
Apartment Homes 201-210
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Kennedy Floor Plans
Apartments Homes 301-310
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GALLERY
The Neighbourhood
Not quite downtown, but definitely not on the fringe of the action, the vibrant Cook Street area of Victoria strikes a perfect balance. With all major amenities within walking distance, but the peace and comfort of a quiet residential neighbourhood, The Bell Apartments represents the best of small-city living. Grab a morning coffee across the street at Bear & Joey Café, take an art class at Poppet Creative, ride bikes through towering trees in Beacon Hill Park or hit up a hot yoga class around the corner, and finish the day with dinner a few blocks away at Tacofino. Grocery stores, the YM/YWCA, and public green space are close at hand.
It’s lively but quaint. It’s old but new.
It’s the best of both worlds.
WALK SCORE: 96
TRANSIT SCORE: 89
BIKE SCORE: 100
“For what are we born if not to aid one another?”
— ERNEST HEMINGWAY