2002 Richmond Rd - also being referenced as 1909 Birch Street

Building Info

Tallinn

• 6 storeys flatiron style mixed use building with 55 residential suites, 3 commercial units

• 11 surface level parking spaces including two for EV car-share vehicles, 26 bicycle parking stalls, with 15 spaces dedicated to cargo bikes

• Part of Birch street will be turned into a public plaza for the neighbourhood

• Hey Happy coffee shop to occupy one of the commercial units

Developer

• Empresa Properties 

• Developer Project Website

Architect

• Cascadia Architects

• Architect Project Website

Context

• Formerly home to the beloved Ian’s Jubilee Coffee Shop (built in 1946)

City of Victoria Development Tracker 

• Project Folder

Status

• April 2026:  Approved July 2025 - site cleared, excavation began the week of January 19, 2026.  The City is currently reviewing a Delegated Development Permit application received on March 20, 2026 for revisions to previously approved plans.  The changes appear to be minor; however, there was no narrative explanation accompanying the submission. 

Media and Images

• November 15, 2013 Times Colonist story on deteriorating condition of the Turner building

• April 19, 2023 CHEK TV story on sale of property and development plans (includes the video report)

• July 17, 2025 CHEK TV story on approval

• July 19, 2025 Times Colonist story on approval

• January 15, 2026 - CHEK TV story on project start date