1116 Government Street – E.A. Morris Tobacconist

Downtown Victoria Tour

Government Street – 1100 Block

1116 Government Street – E.A. Morris Tobacconists

The E.A. Morris Tobacconist store at 1116 Government Street is well worth seeing even if you are not a smoker. E.A. Morris Tobacconist is a very well preserved example of an early 20th century Edwardian store interior.

The E.A. Morris Tobacconist store was listed on the Canadian Register of Historic Places in 1975.

E.A. Morris Tobacconist, 1116 Government Street. This building was originally built in 1882 and the present facade was designed by architect Thomas Hooper in 1909.

Here’s a map showing the location of the E.A. Morris Tobacconist at 1116 Government Street:

Here is a Google Street View image of 1116 Government Street:

E.A. Morris Tobacconist, 1116 Government Street. Built in 1882 with the current facade designed in 1909 by architect Thomas Hooper. The interior is an excellent example of an early 20th century retail store.

Additional Information About 1116 Government Street

• Assessed Value (July 2019): $1,818,000; Land $786,000 Buildings $1,032,000
• Assessed Value (July 2018): $1,647,000; Land $613,000 Buildings $1,034,000
• Assessed Value (July 2017): $1,511,000; Land $438,000 Buildings $1,073,000
• Assessed Value (July 2016): $1,508,000; Land $412,000 Buildings $1,096,000
• Assessed Value (July 2015): $1,436,000; Land $356,000 Buildings $1,080,000
• Assessed Value (July 2015): $1,436,000; Land $351,000 Buildings $1,075,000
• Canadian Register of Historic Places – listed in 1975.

A Brief History of 1116 Government Street, E.A. Morris Tobacconists

Architectural historians have suggested that the present E.A. Morris building was originally built in 1882 by John Smeaton for $2,000.

That may be an error. In 1909 E.A. Morris retained architect Thomas Hooper to redesign the facade and shop interior. But in November 1909 the City of Victoria issued a building permit to E.A. Morris for construction of a new brick, concrete and steel building, 2 stories, 2 rooms, at an estimated construction cost of $4,200.

Whether or not Thomas Hooper designed this structure in 1909 as a new building or as a renovation of the previously existing 1882 building, Thomas Hooper‘s re-design and renovations are still largely intact and readily evident in the current facade and Edwardian interior store fixtures.

Thomas Hooper‘s 1909 design of the E.A. Morris Tobacconist is an excellent intact example of an early 20th century Edwardian storefront and interior. The E.A. Morris Tobacconist store is well worth seeing for its historic value, even if you’re not a smoker.

The E.A. Morris Tobacconist store was listed on the Canadian Register of Historic Places in 1975.

Here are links to some historic photos of the E.A. Morris Tobacconist store:

• BC Archives photo I-01036 – 1945, exterior. Also shows 1130-1140 Government Street. Photographer: Duncan Macphail
• BC Archives photo I-01980 – 1948, interior. Photographer: Duncan Macphail
• BC Archives photo I-01981 – 1948, exterior. Photographer: Duncan Macphail
• BC Archives photo I-01982 – 1948, neon sign on exterior. Photographer: Duncan Macphail
• BC Archives photo I-01983 – 1948, interior. Photographer: Duncan Macphail
• City of Victoria Archives photo M04090 – 1960
• BC Archives photo I-03358 – 1976, interior.
• BC Archives photo I-03359 – 1976, interior.

Here are some Historic Advertisements for E.A. Morris, Tobacconists:

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