Heritage Register
James Bay

54 Government Street

Built 1898
Heritage-Designated 2023

For: Robert Stuart Donaldson
Builder: Robert Stuart Donaldson

54 Government Street is a one storey cottage with Italianate features in the James Bay neighbourhood of Victoria, British Columbia. Built in approximately 1898, 54 Government Street is a good example of a modest worker’s cottage which was common throughout James Bay and Victoria at the beginning of the 20th century. These cottages often incorporated stylistic elements from the popular architectural styles at the time of their construction, contributing to their architectural value. This home has
Italianate features such as the overhanging eaves with simple cornice and decorative brackets.

Further, the home has historical value as an example of the gradual development of Victoria’s neighbourhoods as they changed from Hudson’s Bay Company farms to grand estates to suburbs. Following the subdivision of Beckley Farm, this lot was owned by multiple private owners who did not construct any improvements until Robert Stuart Donaldson, a labourer, bought the land and built the present house where he lived with his family for a few years. Donaldson then rented out the home for a few years before selling it in 1907.

As a home that was often rented to many different people and families during its life, 54 Government Street also has social value. It is an example of the prevalence of rental homes and renters in James Bay from the time of its subdivision and creation until now.

CHARACTER DEFINING ELEMENTS:

The character-defining elements of 54 Government Street include:
• One storey massing with raised basement
• Hipped roof
• Beveled siding with shake-style siding on the basement level
• Basement level carriage style garage door with multi light round-headed windows
• Solid stepped balustrade on front steps
• Partially enclosed covered entry with multi light windows at either side
• Angled bay window on front elevation with window headers incorporated into two-part frieze
• Double hung sash wood windows with horns
• Asymmetrical window arrangements
• Overhanging eaves with simple decorative cornice and brackets
• Brick chimney

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION & IMAGES:

• James Bay History

• James Bay Heritage Register

• This Old House, Victoria's Heritage Neighbourhoods,
Volume Two: James Bay