Manulife Investment Management is undertaking a $30 million redevelopment of Manulife Place, its landmark 36-storey office and retail tower in the heart of Edmonton’s downtown core.

With construction commencing in mid-2020, the project will include a major modernization of the exterior façade with multi-level transparent glazing and bright, new signage. A repositioning of the retail storefronts to the exterior of the centre will extend the shopping experience outwards, creating a visually dynamic and engaging streetscape. In addition, the interior space will be refreshed with new porcelain flooring and LED lighting, as well as the creation of inviting communal spaces.

A 45,000 square foot rooftop terrace will also be constructed, providing an acre of fully-landscaped parkland in the heart of downtown Edmonton—an amenity that is exclusive to Manulife Place.

“The city of Edmonton is undergoing a renaissance that will breathe life into its downtown service and amenity offerings,” said Ted Willcocks, Manulife Invesment Management’s global head of asset management, real estate. “The repositioning of Manulife Place is integral to this evolution and we are excited to be a part of redefining the community.”

Manulife Place currently encompasses 745,000 square feet of office and 103,000 square feet of retail space. Featuring two levels of first class retail shops and services, it is occupied by longstanding retailers such as Vandenberg’s Jewellers, Blu’s, Jamiesons Opticians and Henry Singer.

Manulife Place is prominently connected to the city’s business community and will soon be accessible via the LRT’s Southeast Valley Line.

In 2018, Manulife Place was the first in Edmonton to receive its Wired Gold Certification for its best in class building connectivity. It is also BOMA BEST Certified and, most recently, received its LEED EB Gold recertification.