Leiser

The Simon Leiser Building is a three-storey brick Victorian commercial building on the corner of Yates Street and Waddington Alley. The 1896 building was designed by architect A.C. Ewart and converted into 34 condominium units in 2011.

As part of the condominium renovations the Leiser Building underwent seismic upgrades, part of which are visble as metal girders between the Leiser Building and the adjacent Earle Building at 530-534 Yates Street.

The Simon Leiser Building is a testament to late nineteenth century entrepreneurship in British Columbia. It is significant as a product of financial prosperity associated with the supply business during the Klondike gold rush era. Built in 1896 for Simon Leiser, owner of the largest grocery concern in the province at that time, this state-of-the-art building's conservative high-quality High Victorian exterior and functionalist interior elements are a reflection on the commercial success of its original owner.  

A notable reminder of Victoria's late nineteenth century business district, the Simon Leiser Building contributes significantly to the streetscape on lower Yates Street, and marks the southern entrance of Waddington Alley.