The Victoria Women's Building Society was established in 1981 under the name, Women's Building of Victoria Society. Its four-fold purpose was: to acquire and manage a non-profit building to house services and businesses run by and for women; to be a creative and educational force for change in women's lives; and to make an economic and social contribution to the community of women in the Victoria area. The Society folded in 1985, but was reestablished from 1994-96 under the name, Victoria Women's Building Society. The group was based on the model of the Alexandra Club, which was founded in Victoria as a literary society and social club about 1900.