Recognized Federal Heritage Building
Warehouse Building D85
Esquimalt, British Columbia
Also known as Building D85, Bâtiement D85
Exterior photo
Photo: (Department of National Defence, 1985.)
- Built
- 1898–1899
- Recognized
- 1986
- By
- Government of Canada
The register’s text, word for word
Description
Building D85 is a large, functional brick building with a gable roof, located on the shore of Constance Cove and surrounded by the City of Victoria. Its rectangular form features simple decorations and exhibits Classical influences in its design. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.
Heritage value
Building D85 is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental value.
Historical Value
Building D85 is associated with the theme of Canada’s naval history in the period of both the Royal Navy and the Royal Canadian Navy. It illustrates the internal function of a naval station as it provided the storage of materials needed for the daily operation of a fleet of ships.
Architectural Value
Building D85 is a good example of a functional structure that exhibits a Classical sense of proportion and symmetry. Its design is typical of nineteenth century industrial architecture. The functionalism of its design is enhanced by its simple but elegant details. It is a well crafted building and exhibits solid workmanship.
The Environmental Value
The Naval Dockyard was traditionally an area with a high concentration of warehouses and stores to serve the ships in the port. The warehouse buildings are a large, homogenous part of the dockyard. Building D85, as part of this complex of warehouses, is compatible with the character of the dockyard setting.
Sources:
Sally Coutts, Warehouse D85, Esquimalt Dockyard, Victoria, British Columbia, Federal Heritage Building Report, 85-001.
Building D85, Esquimalt Dockyard, Victoria, British Columbia, Heritage Character Statement, 95-120.
Character‑defining elements
The following character defining elements of Building D85 should be respected, for example:
Its functional design and quality craftsmanship and materials such as:
-Its large, two-storey brick structure with a gable roof.
-Its timber-frame supported by wooden trusses.
-Its slightly raised brick pilasters that divide the west and east facades into bays.
-Its evenly spaced segmental arch windows and the brick corbelling along the eaves.
-Its oculus in the gable end of the north and south facades.
-Its double doors on each level and in the basement area.
The manner in which Building D85 as part of the complex of warehouses is compatible with the character of the dockyard setting evidenced by:
-Its large scale, design and materials which harmonizes with the complex of warehouses sited on the shore of Constance Cove.
End of the register’s text
Location
Esquimalt, British Columbia, Canada
48.43000° N, 123.43500° W
Get directions (opens in a new tab)Being on the register doesn’t make a place open to visitors. Many are private homes or businesses; please view them from the street.
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Building D70within 100 m · 1937
Building D214within 100 m · 1943
Royal Garrison Artillery Barracks’ Blocks, Building 1075within 100 m · 1902
Building D80, former Cordage / Furniture Stores Recognized Federal Heritage Buildingwithin 100 m · 1902
Shipwrights' Shed / Spar Shed, Building D113within 100 m · 1901
Building D38within 100 m · 1904
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From the Canadian Register of Historic Places, as last updated on December 12, 2025. The register’s text is shown word for word.