The City of Victoria has bought the building that Hermann’s Jazz Club and the View Street Social operates out of for $3.95 million.
“This purchase demonstrates Council’s commitment to preserving and investing in music spaces downtown as reflected in our 2023-2026 Strategic Plan,” said Mayor Marianne Alto.
“This venue’s importance was also identified during development of the Victoria Music Strategy, and I hope it will continue to contribute to Victoria’s vibrant arts and culture scene for years to come.”
This announcement comes just days after Hermann’s made the announcement that Hermann’s Upstairs would be closing permanently as of March 31.
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Hermann’s Jazz Club and View Street Social will continue operating on the ground floor of the newly purchased buildings at 751-753 View Street
“This strategic acquisition allows the City to play an important role in the preservation of space for live music, while also diversifying the organization’s revenue streams and real estate portfolio,” said Thomas Soulliere, deputy city manager.
The funds for the purchase come out of the city’s Land Sale Reserve, which are funds that can only be used for land acquisitions and capital expenditures related to land.
Hermann’s Jazz Club has been operating since it was opened by Hermann Nieweler in 1981, which the Arts on View Society says makes it Canada’s longest-continuously operating jazz club.
Arts on View says the plans and future direction for the building will be coming from the city at a later time.
“The City’s commitment to our vision – to create and sustain a performing arts centre in downtown Victoria – could not have been better expressed than their recent purchase of the building in which we operate the iconic Hermann’s Jazz Club,” said Clay Barber, executive director of the Arts on View Society.
“We applaud the City’s vision and support of the arts and look forward to a long and prosperous relationship.”
Laura Brougham
