1130-1140 Government Street
Thomas Napier Hibben, who had been a San Francisco bookseller came to
Victoria in 1858 and later formed a partnership with Mr. Bone.
The firm, which retailed books and stationery, acquired this
three-storey structure in the 1890s when the Colonist newspaper moved
to Broad Street.
In 1907, the tenants were: J. Howard Champion - manufacturer's agent,
Chartres C. Pemberton - real estate, J. C. M. Keith - architect, George
Morphy - barrister, Universal Brotherhood and Theosophical Society,
Federal Life - insurance, and Charles D Miller - draughtsman. In 1913,
Hibben hired architect Thomas Hooper to add two storeys to make it an
office building.
In
1986, this building was one of six that were consolidated into the
Alhambra Project. The interiors were gutted, facade material that had
been added over the years was removed, recessed entrances were
reinstated, and recycled materials and reproduced architectural
detailing was used wherever possible.
In 1986, this building was one of six that were consolidated into the Alhambra Project.
The
interiors were gutted, facade material that had been added over the
years was removed, recessed entrances were reinstated, and recycled
materials and reproduced architectural detailing was used wherever
possible.
This Hallmark Society project has been funded by the Hbc Foundation and the BC150-Heritage Legacy Fund.
Project manager and researcher: Helen Edwards.
Principal Photography & Consultant:
Ron Bukta, West Ventures Photography.