After two and a half years of construction, a 99-home condominium and street level retail community at 1075 Tillicum Road is transitioning into its occupancy phase, Abstract Developments has announced.

 

This week, the Victoria-based builder-developer celebrated a 'key presentation' ceremony with new homeowners and retailers, alongside the Township of Esquimalt’s mayor and council.

 

Central Block (view project website; see Citified's profile), a six-storey addition to the Township's Gorge Waterway community on Tillicum Road, has sold 70% of its one, two and three-bedroom residences, and both retail units have been pre-purchased.

 

On April 13th, Esquimalt Mayor Barb Desjardins joined by Bill Brown, Director of Planning, and Alex Tang, Planner, welcomed new homeowners to Central Block at a memorable milestone not only for homebuyers, but also the Township.

 

“The Gorge neighbourhood is a gem in Esquimalt and adding these new homes and storefronts will further build on its vibrant energy. I would like to welcome new businesses and residents to the community,” Desjardins said.

 

Abstract Developments’ CEO Tavish Rai says Central Block’s location, the views from its suites, and its private amenities provided the sales legwork in a changing, albeit more discerning, condominium market.

 

“In recent years, Greater Victoria’s pre-sale purchasers have prioritized value proposition, natural settings, and thoughtful shared spaces when deciding on their future homes, and Central Block resonated with buyers thanks to an appeal that set it well apart,” Rai says, adding that “new ocean-view homes along the Gorge Waterway are exceptionally rare, and especially so in a walkable location, close to shopping, public transit, golfing, and parkland. Central Block was able to check so many boxes and do so at highly competitive price points.”

 

Central Block's exteriors represent an elevated level of architectural design, with spacious balconies, quality materials and a landmark presence.  Abstract Developments

 

Drawing buyers like first-time homeowners, up-sizers, down-sizers, and even parents securing homes for their children’s post-secondary education in Greater Victoria, Central Block found success by leveraging its excellent transit connectivity to major employment nodes like downtown Victoria and CFB Esquimalt, several of the largest retail centres in Victoria’s urban core, and even a direct connection to UVic.

 

Retail amenities are close by, with a full-service commercial plaza a short stroll away via the Tillicum Road Bridge, and Esquimalt’s nearby town centre is connected by frequent all-day transit spanning between CFB Esquimalt and UVic via Esquimalt’s core.

 

For cycling commuters and recreational riders, a newly-completed protected cycling path runs along Tillicum Road through to Esquimalt Road, and continues north into Saanich where it connects to Tillicum Shopping Centre. A bike-way also runs west along Gorge Road through to Admirals Road. Riders can seamlessly connect to the Galloping Goose Regional Trail, and the E&N Rail Trail, which provide protected cycling connections as far away as the Saanich Peninsula and Sooke.

 

For pet owners, proximity to Esquimalt Gorge Park immediately across Tillicum Road presents a sought after oceanfront parkland amenity with leash optional areas that draws visitors from all across the region.

 

And then, there are the private amenities.

 

Communal areas for residents are practical and responsive to today’s changing needs. The ‘Portage Commons’ is an indoor space with workstations, breakout rooms, and a kitchenette, suitable for co-working or group events. Outside, the ‘Portage Gardens’ is a relaxing outdoor patio area with multiple types of seating for both individuals and groups. And picture perfect Gorge Waterway views from atop the ‘Portage Rooftop’ are paired with a large entertaining and gathering space that features an outdoor kitchen, barbecue, lounge area, and fire bowl.

 

Elise Virtue, Senior Sales Associate with Abstract, says Central Block’s amenity package is one of the most refined on the market, thanks to its tangible, value-centred benefits for residents.

 

“We are so fortunate to have the beautiful Gorge Waterway on our doorstep, where every resident, regardless of which suite they live in, can enjoy amazing views from a well appointed rooftop amenity area,” Virtue told Citified last fall. “With dedicated kayak storage included, it’s easy for residents to fully embrace the waterfront lifestyle just steps from home. Work-from-home is also top-of-mind for our design team, through a focus on meaningful work spaces that will allow professionals to seamlessly bridge in-office needs when working from home. There is significant value to a robust amenity package, and we believe Central Block is ahead of the curve for its adoption of changing social trends and expectations.”

 

Esquimalt Mayor Barb Desjardins looks out over Esquimalt and the Gorge Waterway from Central Block's Portage Rooftop communal space for residents.  Abstract Developments

 

Central Block’s approximately 30 unsold, move in-ready one-through-three-bedroom residences open to nine foot over-height ceilings in main living areas (up to 11 feet in select homes) and feature one of two distinct colour palettes finished in clean white and light grey tones. For flooring, luxurious durable wide plank oak-inspired vinyl hardwood brings warmth to each layout, and sets the tone for material quality, while plush, premium carpets are standard in bedrooms.

 

Efficient use of space yields thoughtful function, with many homes including full-height built-in pantries that help make the most of Central Block's urban floorplans. Large windows and glass exterior doors fill interiors with natural daylight, perfectly framing parkland, city, and Gorge Waterway views beyond.

 

To learn more about homeownership opportunities at Central Block, click here. To connect with a sales representative, call 250-590-5130 to book your private viewing of homes at Central Block.

 

Rai, meanwhile, says Abstract’s multiple residential communities under construction across Greater Victoria are delivering a significant volume of new housing in townhome and condominium form, with 2026 a big year for the company’s active developments.

 

Near Central Block in Saanich, the Brooke townhomes at 630 Gorge Road West are slated to hit the market this spring with a collection of 25 Gorge-view three and four-bedroom layouts.

 

In Saanich’s Shelbourne Valley on Shelbourne Street at McRae Avenue, Oak & Stone’s 87 condominiums are being drywalled as construction progress tracks for completion at the end of 2026. Also in Saanich, the 77-suite Cadence condominium on upper Quadra Street at Palmer Road is fully framed and progressing on-schedule.

 

On the West Shore not far from the intersection of Sooke Road and Jacklin Road, Willow + Glen’s second phase of townhomes (part of a multi-phased 41-townhome project) is now selling, with strong interest from homebuyers. And back in Saanich, the Greyson townhomes are now in their final sales stretch, where only a few of the 23 three and four-bedroom townhomes remain for sale.

 

For more information on Abstract’s active and planned roster of new housing communities, visit Abstract’s website here, or connect with Abstract’s sales team by calling 250-590-5130. C

 

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