The Wade is a thoughtful example of urban renewal through adaptive reuse, transforming the 1950s-era Medical Arts Building into a vibrant mixed-use development in the heart of Victoria’s Harris Green neighbourhood. Responding to the community’s evolving needs, the project retained the original building fabric, reinforcing its structural core with steel cross-bracing to meet modern code standards. This design choice preserved a piece of the city’s architectural and healthcare history while significantly reducing demolition waste and construction timelines.

The project team adopted a deeply collaborative approach throughout the design and development process. An integrated design methodology enabled coordination across disciplines, streamlining approvals and construction sequencing. The existing building now houses ground-floor commercial spaces—many of which are once again home to medical services, honouring the site’s legacy and community identity. The new four-storey addition, built on a former surface parking lot, frames the southern edge of the site and fronts onto Johnson Street. Together, the two buildings define a central courtyard, creating a welcoming residential enclave with a renewed public interface.

Environmental sustainability is woven throughout the project’s design and function. Green roofs across both buildings were planted entirely with edible species, including herbs, fruits, and vegetables. These spaces are accessible to residents and now support an innovative partnership with a local non-profit to grow food for the broader community. The development also inspired the creation of a resident cookbook, further connecting people to the landscape. This urban agriculture component was celebrated by the City of Victoria and is viewed as a model for future rooftop food production initiatives.

With its clean, modern architectural expression and restrained palette, The Wade exemplifies understated design excellence. Glazed façades and subtle material textures complement the surrounding urban fabric. At its core, the project demonstrates the potential of adaptive reuse to bring social, ecological, and cultural value to contemporary urban housing.