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 Heritage Society project was 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.