Central Block Condos in Esquimalt

From Gorge Pointe Pub to Central Block

This stretch of Tillicum Road has a long hospitality history. The original Gorge Hotel opened in 1874 and burned in 1923, a replacement was built in 1924, and a 1990s redevelopment put condominiums along the water's edge with a mock Spanish-style pub and liquor store on the rest of the lot. That pub building was demolished in May 2022.

Esquimalt gave first reading in March 2022 to a bylaw creating a site-specific zone for up to 99 homes, a maximum height of 21.7 metres and a minimum amount of ground-floor commercial space. The zone ties extra density to a cash contribution of $107,478 for active transportation improvements on Tillicum Road between Gorge Road and Craigflower Road. Council rezoned the site that spring despite concerns from some neighbours.

Central Block Homes and Floor Plans

Central Block was planned around smaller, efficient homes. Abstract's published plans include:

• A junior one-bedroom of about 392 to 394 sq ft
• A one-bedroom of 557 sq ft and a one-bedroom plus den of 587 sq ft
• A junior two-bedroom, two-bathroom plan of 733 sq ft
• A two-bedroom, two-bathroom plan of 897 sq ft
• A three-bedroom, two-bathroom plan of 942 sq ft with about 253 sq ft of outdoor space

Main living areas have overheight ceilings and large windows, with light or medium base palettes. Launch coverage described wide-plank vinyl flooring in living areas, carpet in bedrooms and Samsung stainless steel appliances. Most homes have a balcony, though some sixth-floor homes do not, and garden-level homes have patios.

Amenities: Portage Commons, Rooftop and Garden

Abstract groups the building's shared spaces under the Portage name:

• Portage Commons: an indoor co-working and gathering space with breakout rooms, workstations and a kitchenette
• Portage Rooftop Terrace: seating, dining space and a built-in BBQ, with views of the Gorge Waterway and the city
• Portage Garden: an outdoor space with several seating areas, designed for year-round use

The building also has secure bike parking, storage lockers for all homes and on-site kayak and paddleboard storage. The 2022 rezoning proposal called for 89 underground parking stalls for the 99 homes, so confirm whether a specific home includes one.

Living in the Gorge-Tillicum Area of Esquimalt

Abstract places Central Block in the Kinsmen Park neighbourhood of Esquimalt's Gorge-Tillicum corridor. The main local draw is Esquimalt Gorge Park, across Tillicum Road. The park covers about 11.65 hectares on the waterway and has a paved waterfront walkway, a rebuilt Japanese garden on the site of the Takata family's tea garden, the Gorge Waterway Nature House, a playground, an off-leash dog area and a small beach.

The developer also lists Gorge Vale Golf Club, Lampson Park, the Galloping Goose Trail and a large retail plaza over the Tillicum Road bridge among nearby landmarks, and describes Tillicum Road as a key transit corridor linking CFB Esquimalt with the University of Victoria. Esquimalt is part of Greater Victoria School District 61; use the district's school locator to confirm catchment schools. Learn more in our Esquimalt neighbourhood guide.

Buying at Central Block: New Home Basics

Abstract was still marketing homes in October 2026, and some MLS listings in the building have been offered as new homes plus GST. GST applies when you buy a never-occupied home from the developer but not on a resale. Eligible first-time buyers of a new home may qualify for the federal First-Time Home Buyers' GST rebate and should confirm with a lawyer or accountant.

A building completed in 2026 has most of its BC 2-5-10 new home warranty ahead of it: materials and labour for 12 to 24 months depending on the item, the building envelope for five years and the structure for ten. Coverage stays with the home if it is resold; ask for the policy dates.

In a brand-new strata the first budget is an estimate made before anyone lived in the building, so read it with the disclosure statement, bylaws, minutes and Form B information certificate, and confirm fees, parking, storage, and rental and pet rules for the specific home. Compare other options in our Esquimalt condos for sale search.

How Central Block Compares in Esquimalt

Central Block pairs newer, low-maintenance homes with a waterfront park across the street. Abstract has said its buyers include first-time buyers, downsizers and investors. Buyers who need a larger home or more than one parking stall may do better elsewhere in Esquimalt.

Tillicum Road is busy, and the 2022 plans added street trees and a widened sidewalk along the frontage, so weigh traffic against the park and water outlook. For more options, browse all Esquimalt real estate.