[Coldrsx]

Epcor (250-320,000sqft RFP)along with many other small/mid sized firms are looking for more space so proposals have been coming out of the woodwork...here they are:


1. Melcor - 102st and Jasper avenue - ~20 floors

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x164/coldrsx/melcortower.jpg


2. GE/Dundee - 101st and Jasper Avenue - 25 floors

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x164/coldrsx/dundeetower.jpg

3. Qualico "stationlands" - 101st and 105ave - 25 floors

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x164/coldrsx/epcor.jpg

4. Oxford - 101st and 104ave - ?25?

TBA - heard it is hot



we are suppose to have decisions on these shortly

[Coldrsx]

amazing how ^ makes melcor and ge look very similar.

[Calgarian]

The first and 3rd are pretty nice, but still not sure about the second.

[Coldrsx]

im waiting to see Oxford's...im expecting them to bring something very good.

[ExcaliburKid]

Really looking forward to Oxford and Procura. I can see the towers on Jasper going ahead before StationLands though.

[Coldrsx]

^absolutely...

personally i rank them this way in terms of viability:

1.melcor - medium sized tower, best location (lrt/commerce/manu).
2.oxford - medium sized tower, B location but tied into bell/mall/sutton, and doesnt have to deal with demo to the scale of GE.
3.GE/dundee - medium sized tower, parking will be tough, great location.
4.procura - huge tower, complicated with mixed use, good location.
5.stationlands - another kick at the can.

[tony0911]

Melcor's design is very disappointing, especially for the location. If Epcor does a new tower I can't see but maybe one other proposal going ahead considering that professional is a done deal. If Ironwood doesn't happen a slim outside chance of another tower then.

[Coldrsx]

^ironwood will be office condos which wont affect traditional tenants.

Professional looks to be going for FED or PROV space

I could see EPCOR taking one tower and 1 or 2 others going along with the above.

[Bigtime]

I like the Melcor design, but I may be a little biased towards them since I grew up with part of the Melton family here in Calgary!

[psych1]

The GE/Dundee building looks like it has a shiny gum wrapper stuck to it:)

[brento79]

based merely on look, I like qualico, it actually looks nice with cn

[nunuangel99]

based merely on look, I like qualico, it actually looks nice with cn

Gotta say I have to agree with you!!

[Kevin_foster]

Yeah but Qualico's is in such a bad spot :( and tied to such a bad project :(

[nunuangel99]

Yeah but Qualico's is in such a bad spot :( and tied to such a bad project :(

Bad project yes, bad spot ?? it is kiddy corner from Oxford's proposed site (staples) so how bad is it really??

[Coldrsx]

^pardon the pun, but stationlands is on the other side of the tracks:>

[Kevin_foster]

Terrible Location! Its so far North of the CBD.

Better to see a tower along Jasper where the action is.

[Innersoul1]

I like the Melcor design, but I may be a little biased towards them since I grew up with part of the Melton family here in Calgary!

Same reasoning! But actually I really do like that design!:cool:

[CMD UW]

Bad project yes, bad spot ?? it is kiddy corner from Oxford's proposed site (staples) so how bad is it really??
If a building occupied the parking lot directly east of Staples and the SW corner of 101 and 104 Avenue connecting it via pedway or u/g tunnel, then the Stationlands tower would be more integrated with the CBD. Until then its an island.

[Coldrsx]

^IMO a great site for a new 30 storey HYATT...

[Atlguy33]

Hmmmm... I think my favorite is the Melcor proposal, just wish it could be taller. I do like the new look of the Stationlands tower, but agree it's a longshot.

[craner]

Just to reinterate my sentiments from the Edmonton forum:
We need less "bulk" and "mass" and more "slenderness" and of course "HEIGHT", ENOUGH WITH THE STUMPIES ALREADY !
I don't have a problem with any of the three shown, I would say they're all fairly pleasing - just need some, any, all, ONE to sprout up a bit, no, a lot!;)
BTW - I'm expecting something fine from Oxford, if I was a betting man I would put it all on them in terms of proceeding with a tower.

[KREZ]

Too far north of the CBD?!?! It's 1 block!

I can guarantee you Edmonton's downtown is moving in that direction in the next 10-15yrs. We are already seeing it with the Aurora towers and other interest in this area (North Edge). It is a great investment because the land is way undervalued due to the "reputation" of this area. That Epcor tower would kick start this area and slowly begin to transform it.

Remember, we are talking only 2 blocks north of Bell Tower and Oxford. This is prime location. Add a new downtown arena down the street... you'd be stupid not to build along 104th/105th.

[ExcaliburKid]

Although its absolutely true that downtown is shifting north, the CBD remains in the same spot. I agree completely with Cold and Kevin, north of 104 Ave is not a good location for a corporate HQ. There are plenty of good, available plots still waiting in the immediate core.

[Daver]

Next "Officer" tower?

[CanadianCentaur]

Next "Officer" tower?

Don't ask.

[Xelebes]

Next "Officer" tower?

For the chief officers, of course.

[murman]

Bad project yes, bad spot ?? it is kiddy corner from Oxford's proposed site (staples) so how bad is it really??

Just come out of hibernation, have we?

[Kevin_foster]

Too far north of the CBD?!?! It's 1 block!

I can guarantee you Edmonton's downtown is moving in that direction in the next 10-15yrs. We are already seeing it with the Aurora towers and other interest in this area (North Edge). It is a great investment because the land is way undervalued due to the "reputation" of this area. That Epcor tower would kick start this area and slowly begin to transform it.

Remember, we are talking only 2 blocks north of Bell Tower and Oxford. This is prime location. Add a new downtown arena down the street... you'd be stupid not to build along 104th/105th.

Let's let residential projects like Aurora revitalize & densify the area. Did you see the picture Cold Posted??

and here i thought the greyhound was a bad area for parking lots...

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x164/coldrsx/downtownholes.jpg

OUR CBD & CORE HAS MORE SURFACE PARKING LOTS THAN BUILDINGS - Why in all h3ll would we want to start building outwards when we hardly have even built up our core in the first place???? Even though this picture isn't the core itself - one only needs to stroll downtown to see it is everywhere.

That North Edge is prime for condos, medium density commercial and the like - not office towers. CN is so far removed from the rest of the core in the first place. And if we add an arena there.... YIKES!

[Coldrsx]

officer tower is coolerer than office.

[240glt]

^So what about that HUGE lot @ 102 st & 100 ave...anything on the go for that spot ?

[Coldrsx]

^nope...that's yale properties out of toronto or montreal last i heard.

[240glt]

^too bad... that would be a nice spot for a condo tower or two & some street level office condos

[Coldrsx]

that site would be great for a hotel and office tower or hotel and condo with a large amount of street front retail.

[Calgarian]

What happened to that really ugly one released a few months ago? did it get cancelled?

[240glt]

^you're probaly referring to the "brick superimposed on a beer can" that Ironwood released. Went to EDC on monday... we'll see shortly how that all shakes out.

Most here believe it will change substantially

[Calgarian]

that's the one! hopefully they will laugh the developer out of the office.

[JBinCalgary]

very nice

[Xelebes]

that's the one! hopefully they will laugh the developer out of the office.

That they did, that they did.

[craner]

"The race for Edmonton's next officer tower"

I wish it was more of a race, i.e. 3 or 4 actually u/c.

[Coldrsx]

^i very much believe we will see GE/Dundee, melcor, oxford all U/C in 2008.

[tony0911]

It would appear as though all the competitors are still looking for their running shoes......and after that they will need socks, track suits, and probably a trainer and some suplements.....then they will actually have to get to the race.

[Atlguy33]

Hope you are right about your prediction, Cold. I can't wait to see what the Oxford proposal looks like. Any word on when renderings will be released for that one?

[ibz]

Well you guys should see something soon enough...its been said many times but the Epcor situation is going to be shaking out pretty quick here. I have high hopes for Oxford proposal.

[Coldrsx]

^yup...as do i...

[ExcaliburKid]

Slow and steady wins the race.....

[Coldrsx]

^aparently...

i think we will see movement with much of this over the next 2-3 months with actual action spring 08.

[ExcaliburKid]

08 sounds like it will be a fun year for development watching

[Coldrsx]

^let's just hope it translates into action...07 was pretty weak overall for actually shovels in the ground.

Q
arlington
founders
office towers
ironwood
oliver
devonian 2
procura anything

all should be doing something by now IMO

[ExcaliburKid]

^No doubt. Founders is turning into a bit of a joke at this point. Would have thought for sure Q and Arlington would have some sort of site prep at least. The damn map store is still doing business on the Q site for fack sakes!

[Coldrsx]

^wrong...i dont believe the map store land is part of the parcel, should be just the corner.

[ExcaliburKid]

Really? Seems like a small site, but then again, you're probably right.

[CMD UW]

Mapstore not part of Q.

Here is the latest from the website:

Spring 2008
Expected construction commencement date

Spring 2008
Anticipated release of pre-sales: First Phase

[240glt]

The damn map store is still doing business on the Q site for fack sakes!

Don't knock the map store man.. they've got some pretty cool shit

[CanadianCentaur]

Don't knock the map store man.. they've got some pretty cool shit

They sure do!

[Coldrsx]

i wish a larger more reputable company had bought the entire 105st from 103-104ave. Done two towers with a 3rd floor common garden and a level retail there.

[ExcaliburKid]

As posted by 240glt in the Edmonton Thread:

Epcor to build new office tower downtown

edmontonjournal.com

Friday, December 07, 2007

EDMONTON - Epcor announced plans today for the first new downtown office tower in 17 years - a 28-storey building northwest of the CN Tower.

The city-owned utility has signed a 20-year lease with Qualico for 265,000 square feet of space in the building on its Station Lands Property at the corner of 101st Street and 104th Avenue.

Epcor currently has 1,200 employees in office space downtown. Leases on that space expire in 2011. The total is expected to rise to more than 1,350 by 2012. All those workers will move to the new tower.

"The Epcor Tower reflects the company's leadership and growth in the power and water business," said president and CEO Don Lowry.

The new tower will be certified to a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) silver standard or higher, reducing energy, water and resource use.

"It will help Epcor attract and retain the talented people the company needs to grow," Lowry said, "and demonstrates environmental leadership."

Commerce Place is downtown Edmonton's newest office tower, built in 1990

Looks like the race is won.

[Coldrsx]

so at 28 floors....how big is this baby?


20,000 plates = 560,000sqft

15,000 plates = 420,000sqft

so ill go with an avg. of 18,000sqft plates = 504,000sqft which means EPCOR is taking 55%.

[Kevin_foster]

And here she is:
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x164/coldrsx/epcor.jpg

[Jasper and one o nin]

And here she is:
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x164/coldrsx/epcor.jpg

what the hell is the guy driving the silver optra? He's going to get nailed!

[Coldrsx]

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x164/coldrsx/westelevation.jpg

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x164/coldrsx/siteplan.jpg

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x164/coldrsx/3dsiteplan.jpg

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x164/coldrsx/siteplansideview.jpg

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x164/coldrsx/siteplandsideview2.jpg

[brento79]

hmmm... if that is were the arena goes, and how it looks, it really adds to that part of town. Stationlands ironically could pull that North east part of the core back into the centre nicely.

[Coldrsx]

^arena wont likely look like that...it was just a design exercise by qualico

[brento79]

That is the concept being floated around, I know that. I still like it.

[Coldrsx]

^id like us to depart from the whole pyramid thing...cant we do glass curves in this city?

[Coldrsx]

The Tower will bring all EPCOR's downtown employees into a single location, and offers a superior combination of environmental leadership, high quality and in-building amenities. "It will help EPCOR attract and retain the talented people the company needs to grow," Lowry continued, "and demonstrates environmental leadership."

Leases at the company's existing Edmonton offices expire at the end of 2011. EPCOR announced earlier in 2007 that it would be considering options for a new headquarters lease in downtown Edmonton. There are currently nearly 1,200 employees at EPCOR's downtown Edmonton offices, with the total projected to rise to 1,367 in 2012.

"EPCOR has more than doubled its revenues and dividend during the past ten years, doubled its employee count, and gone from operating 5 power and water plants to 50 across North America," Lowry explained. "The success to date, and our long-term vision for growth, means that EPCOR needs more space."

EPCOR's Long Term Plan calls for capital spending of nearly $4 billion on new power and water projects over the next five years.

The EPCOR Tower will be located on 101st Street, between 104th and 105th Avenue, Northwest of the CN Tower and North of the surface parking lot at the corner of 104 Avenue and 101 Street.

Station Lands is a Qualico project designed by Kasian Architecture Interior Design and Planning Ltd. (Kasian), with construction management services to be provided by Ledcor Construction. The firms, as well as the project sub-consultants, have strong Edmonton roots.

EPCOR Utilities Inc.

EPCOR Utilities Inc. builds, owns and/or operates power plants, electrical transmission and distribution networks, water and wastewater treatment facilities and infrastructure in Canada and the United States. EPCOR has been named one of Canada's Top 100 employers for eight consecutive years, and is headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta. EPCOR's web site is www.epcor.ca.

Forward Looking Information Certain information in this news release is forward looking and related to anticipated financial performance, events and strategies. When used in this context, words such as "will", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "intend", "target" and "expect" or similar words suggest future outcomes. By their nature, such statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, which could cause EPCOR's actual results and experience to be materially different than the anticipated results. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, operating performance, commodity prices and volumes, load settlement, regulatory and government decisions, weather and economic conditions, competitive pressures, construction risks, obtaining financing and the performance of partners, contractors and suppliers.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as actual results could differ materially from the plans, expectations, estimates or intentions expressed in the forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, EPCOR disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement even if new information becomes available, as a result of future events or for any other reason.

<< Note to Media The following attachments are available with this news release: (1) Backgrounder (2) Artist's conceptions of the new EPCOR Tower at Qualico's Station Lands. Images will be available at www.epcor.ca, through CNW Group, and on disc at the news conference.

>> Backgrounder ------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Building There are currently nearly 1,200 employees at EPCOR's two downtown offices. Edmonton head office headcount is projected to be 1,367 in 2012. All EPCOR Centre and TD Tower employees will move to the new building.

The development will contain an on-site daycare and fitness facility. In addition, Station Lands intends for the base building to contain a full service restaurant, deli-style eatery/cafeteria, coffee/tea vendor, ATM, and dry-cleaning drop-off.

The plan for the site contemplates extensive retail development in the podium structure that will eventually cover the entire site.

The Development Station Lands has been issued a Development Permit by the City of Edmonton. Site preparation is expected to begin in early 2008. EPCOR's lease commences January 1, 2012, with access 210 days prior to commencement for fixturing and early move-in. There is an option for earlier occupancy if the building is completed sooner.

In the RFP process, EPCOR told developers that there would be preference for proposals within one block of an LRT station, or within one block of access to the existing pedway and tunnel system. The EPCOR Tower at Station Lands is adjacent to stops for 33 Edmonton Transit bus routes, and across the street from indoor access to the Churchill LRT Station via City Hall.

The financial terms of the Lease Agreement (January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2031, with extension rights for up to 15 additional years) are confidential. Proposals were evaluated against a scorecard that considered the proposed financial, facility and legal terms. The Station Lands proposal received the highest overall score of all the options evaluated.

The RFP Process EPCOR announced earlier in 2007 that it would be considering options for a new headquarters lease in downtown Edmonton, including renewal of current rental contracts.

In May 2007, CB Richard Ellis, on behalf of EPCOR, issued a non-binding RFP to potential developers and property owners. EPCOR said it would consider proposals for existing, renovated or new space.

The RFP terms were requested by about twenty potential proponents, and ten proposals from seven potential developers were received. The proposals included both new downtown office towers and the redevelopment of existing spaces.

On August 1, 2007, EPCOR, assisted by an independent evaluation conducted by CBRE, shortlisted four potential developers and invited them to participate in the next phase of the process.

Based on the evaluation of the competing proposals, EPCOR conducted due diligence on two of the new build options, and entered into negotiations on the terms of an Offer to Lease for the Station Lands proposal. EPCOR also negotiated the terms of an Offer to Lease for the renewal of its existing space.

In early November, EPCOR Management recommended to the Board of Directors that EPCOR enter into a long-term lease with Station Lands for EPCOR's Edmonton headquarters. The Board authorized Management to negotiate the Lease Agreement. The Lease Agreement was finalized in early December 2007.

LEED(R) Silver certification Some of the strategies being considered by the developer to meet the project's sustainability objectives include the following. The final set of measures will be determined by the project's Environmental Stewardship Program.

<< Sustainable Sites ----------------- - Urban, mixed-use sites reduce dependency on single-occupancy vehicles and their associated impacts on greenhouse gas and air emissions, and infrastructure demand. The site is intended to create a vibrant, safe and walkable community.

- The site promotes public transit through adjacency to the LRT and bus stops and the provision of bike stalls.

- A green roof, combined with Cool Roofing Technology, will reduce energy consumption, reduce the urban heat island effect (artificial increase in the temperatures of urban areas compared to their surroundings) and reduce and treat stormwater run-off.

- Site lighting will respect night sky issues and reduce light pollution while enhancing building architecture and providing a safe and comfortable urban space.

Water Efficiency ---------------- - Water consumption is a priority. The use of low-flow fixtures will reduce potable water consumption and rainwater will be collected for use in irrigating landscaping and the green roof.

- These strategies are projected to provide a minimum 20% reduction in potable water consumption and will consequently reduce impacts on the municipal storm and sanitary systems.

Energy and Atmosphere --------------------- - High performance building envelope and glass to reduce heat loss and gain.

- Building is designed to minimize the unwanted glare and heat from the West Sun while maximizing the harvesting of daylight from the North and South.

- Electrical equipment will use high efficiency lighting and equipment.

Appropriately located occupancy and daylight sensors will drastically reduce dependence on artificial light.

- High efficiency mechanical equipment, including boilers, chillers and fans.

- Heat recovery on exhaust air to reuse waste heat.

- Free cooling will be used when outdoor temperatures are favorable.

- Parkade heating using building relief air.

- Use of a radiant heating and cooling system, a more efficient way to heat and cool as opposed to forced air.

Indoor Environmental Quality ---------------------------- - The use of low-VOC materials including paints, carpets, sealants, adhesives and composite wood products will significantly reduce toxins in the indoor environment such as urea-formaldehyde.

- Focus on sustainably harvested and manufactured materials.

- Local materials will be favoured to mitigate the environmental damage of shipping materials and products over long distances.

- Comprehensive on-site recycling program for building occupants.

- Comprehensive recycling, re-use and diversion of construction waste.

- Materials will contain recycled content where possible. Examples include concrete, steel and many finishes will include recycled steel, flyash, and post-consumer waste to reduce the demand on virgin materials and reuse waste.

>> /NOTE TO PHOTO EDITORS: A photo accompanying this release is available on the CNW Photo Network and archived at http://photos.newswire.ca.

Additional archived images are also available on the CNW Photo Archive website at http://photos.newswire.ca. Images are free to accredited members of the media/ -0- 12/07/2007 /For further information: Tim le Riche, (780) 969-8238, cell (780) 721-2013/ CO: EPCOR Utilities Inc.

ST: Alberta IN: UTI SU: -30- CNW 13:30e 07-DEC-07 

[Greco Roman]

What I don't understand is how Edmonton can expect a significantly taller tower in the downtown core when, to my understanding anyways, there are height restrictions on buildings due to the City Center Airport.

[Coldrsx]

^manulife is tops...around 480' or 35 floors...which can be superseded by individual application to NAVCAN. However...35 floors is plenty fine imo if we can support that. While 50 would be nice, id rather 2, 25 storey in diff parts of the core to help with streetlife and create critical mass throughout.

[Coldrsx]

small but different angle thanks to a SSP member:>

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x164/coldrsx/pic1_285px.jpg

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x164/coldrsx/pic1bigger.jpg

[Coldrsx]

better image from journal:

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x164/coldrsx/epcor_tower.jpg

[Kevin_foster]

^ What does the south exposure look like? The big concrete wall still there?

[wild wild west]

That's a nice tower guys, congrats. The glazing looks to be very promising. Looks to be much taller than the adjacent CN Tower, too - must be at least over 400'. So obviously this is a definite go with a good chunk of the space now pre-leased; what's the construction timetable? Are approvals in place? Will construction start immediately?

[CanadianCentaur]

I like that announcement this morning - an early Christmas present, if you will! The Epcor tower looks pretty good, but the fact that it'll be about 2-3 stories higher than what renderings show makes it sound even better. :D

[Coldrsx]

That's a nice tower guys, congrats. The glazing looks to be very promising. Looks to be much taller than the adjacent CN Tower, too - must be at least over 400'. So obviously this is a definite go with a good chunk of the space now pre-leased; what's the construction timetable? Are approvals in place? Will construction start immediately?

spring 08'

3 yrs i assume

yes

q1/08

[240glt]

^ So we'll see site prep almost immediately I'd assume...

[noodlenoodle]

I like that announcement this morning - an early Christmas present, if you will! The Epcor tower looks pretty good, but the fact that it'll be about 2-3 stories higher than what renderings show makes it sound even better. :D

Nope, that's the actual building, height and all.
Double height ground floor retail, office floors start at 3. 25 is the last occupied floor, 26 is the mechanical floor, 27&28 are the nubs in the middle (also occupied).

[Stephen Ave]

Congrats on getting the tower. It's nice looking one to boot.

[IKAN104]

A couple of the local news casts both said the ground will be broken in January.

[Surrealplaces]

Congrats on getting an office building, it's been a long time coming. I guess Christmas comes early for Edmonton ;)

[Hardhatdan]

Someone make it skinnier pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeee.

[Deepstar]

I guess it is pretty wide. I never really took a good look at it, I was thinking it was about 20 floors, so didn't realize how wide it was. Still looks good though.

Congrats on getting an office tower. This must be the first since Manulife.

[Shodan]

From the Journal:

Epcor to build new office tower downtown

edmontonjournal.com

Friday, December 07, 2007

http://media.canada.com/51df8522-e0a5-44bf-ad15-5fc7d54dfa34/EPCOR_tower.jpg?size=l
Artist's rendition of Epcor's new downtown office tower.

EDMONTON - A new Epcor Tower will rise 28 storeys near the northeast corner of 104th Avenue and 101st Street to open in 2012 as the downtown's first office tower in 22 years.

Epcor president Don Lowry announced today that Qualico Developments beat nine other companies to provide 265,000 square feet of head-office space for the city-owned water and power utility on the Station Lands site by the CN Tower.

Ken Cantor, Qualico's commercial manager, said he will seek other tenants for remaining space in the 614,000-square-foot building - with retail and restaurant tenants on the first two levels. The building will have day-care and fitness facilities, and 850 underground parking spaces.

Bob Walker, vice-president of general contractor Ledcor Construction, said work will start in January 2008, on the $250 million building. Completion is promised by January 2012 when Epcor's current lease at Epcor Centre, 10065 Jasper Ave., runs out - and its Qualico lease starts with a 20-year term plus an option for a 15-year renewal. Lease rates were not revealed.

Lowry said 20 developers were invited to submit proposals. Ten were received and Qualico's was chosen for its low construction risk, high environmental quality, and affordability. "This is not an opulent building."

City council, Epcor's sole shareholder, was not involved in the decision, said Mayor Stephen Mandel.

But he praised the announcement. "I think this is the first of many that will happen in the next little while."

The building is expected to receive a silver LEEDS certification for low energy, water and resource use. Its design will include an east-west orientation, giving its long wall a sunny southern exposure, high-performance glass to reduce heat loss and gain, and low-flow water fixtures.

The building is adjacent to bus stops for 33 Edmonton Transit routes and is across the street from City Hall, which connects to the Churchill LRT station.

Epcor Tower was designed by Kasian Architecture.

"We broke the mass into a series of smaller components so the building does not look so massive," said Bill Chomik, Kasian's partner-in-charge.

Unusual for an office tower, he included balconies "to let the occupants go outside for a great view, fresh air, and to socialize."

The 14-foot floor-to-floor heights will create a more open and spacious interior effect, he said. They also can enable wiring and ventilation to run beneath elevated floors.

Walker called the Stations Lands "a dream site" where trucks and equipment will have ample room to move, park, and lay down materials and equipment. He expects 300 to 400 workers on the site during peak construction.

Jim Taylor, executive director of the Downtown Business Association, welcomed the announcement as bringing needed activity to the downtown's northeast corner.

"Of course this will help Aurora," he said, referring to the six-tower residential development underway immediately across 101st Street to the west.

Taylor thought Epcor Tower could help to define the east side of 101st Street as commercial, with residential on the west side.

"This may be a message to the Baccarat Casino that they're on the wrong side," he said - suggesting it could move from the west side of 101st Street to the east side.

Mandel would not comment on whether Epcor Tower would enhance the prospect for a multi-use development including a new hockey arena. He is awaiting a feasibility report from his arena committee.

Cantor said he does not expect to develop an arena, which others have proposed for the old post office site south of Station Lands. He does hope, eventually, for additional towers with office, residential, hotel and retail tenants.

Epcor now has 1,200 employees in Epcor Centre and the TD Tower. Lowry said that number will rise to 1,400 by 2012, when they all will move to Epcor Tower.

Epcor advised that "the new building is not expected to have a material effect on power or water rates charged by Epcor" and "there will be no impact to the dividend paid by Epcor" to its owner, the city of Edmonton.

Commerce Place, at the northwest corner of Jasper Avenue and 101st Street, now is the downtown's newest office tower, built in 1990. Plans have stalled for proposed office towers at the southeast corner of 101st Street and Jasper Avenue, and on the south side of Jasper Avenue between 102nd and 103rd Streets.

© Edmonton Journal 2007

Copyright © 2007 CanWest Interactive, a division of CanWest MediaWorks Publications, Inc.. All rights reserved.

[Kevin_foster]

Congrats on getting an office tower. This must be the first since Manulife.

Manulife Place - 1983
Commerce Place - 1990

[Edmonchuck]

Someone make it skinnier pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeee.



Can't

This little thing called the APO.

...and some people here think that the APO means nothing.

[Edmonchuck]

A couple of the local news casts both said the ground will be broken in January.


Yep. That's the advantage in having your permits already in place.

[Greco Roman]

Wow. I didn't know Qualico was in the skyscraper business. Regardless, it's good to see a Winnipeg company spreading its tentacles across western Canada. :D

[CanadianCentaur]

EDMONTON - A new Epcor Tower will rise 28 storeys near the northeast corner of 104th Avenue and 101st Street to open in 2012 as the downtown's first office tower in 22 years.

22 years!? :sly: That should be 17 years!

[Xelebes]

17 years, 22 years - does it really matter? It's been too long any which way. :)

[CanadianCentaur]

17 years, 22 years - does it really matter? It's been too long any which way. :)

Probably, if you're young enough. It's a known fact that the younger you are, the slower time will be perceived.

But looking at the article again, I'd hazard a guess that the 22 years is the time between the opening dates, not the construction dates. Remember that Epcor's new tower is supposed to open in 2012, or around that anyways.

[Kimo]

So given the location of this new tower I guess we can assume the the old StationLands is all but cancelled?

[240glt]

This is the Stationlands project.

[Xelebes]

This is the Stationlands project.

LOL :D

[rapid_business]

Wow. I didn't know Qualico was in the skyscraper business. Regardless, it's good to see a Winnipeg company spreading its tentacles across western Canada. :D
They're not. That's the concern. :haha:

[Mycroft]

hey now, didn't they build first edmonton place?....in 1981....*cough*

http://www.emporis.com/images/6/2003/08/211634.jpg

[Edmonchuck]

So given the location of this new tower I guess we can assume the the old StationLands is all but cancelled?

oh


my

goodness

:haha:

[ibz]

While Im happy to see a new tower on the way...were getting a 1980s tower,designed in 1996 built in 2012, yay!

[Atlguy33]

Ya know, I'm glad the Qualico/Stationlands proposal was chosen. They've held out, been patient, gotten their hopes up only to be disappointed, endured much lambasting and pooh-poohing from people here and elsewhere.

Their time has come, the wait is over! I'm happy for them!

Just wish it wasn't going to take 4 years to build it! Geez!

[Coldrsx]

^3yrs...has to be done summer 11

walking by commerce place yesterday i got a good sense of scale for epcor tower...

[Hardhatdan]

While Im happy to see a new tower on the way...were getting a 1980s tower,designed in 1996 built in 2012, yay!
Quoted for truth.

[CMD UW]

While Im happy to see a new tower on the way...were getting a 1980s tower,designed in 1996 built in 2012, yay!Aside fromt the design (which I like), I think this tower will have some interesting energy efficiency and sustainability features given Epcors mandate.

[ibz]

Yes there will be some interesting features indeed....


http://www.slackerastronomy.org/images/simpsons-sun.png