New Downtown development brings optimism to area
Beginning of Station Lands towers called `important signal' for Chinatown's future
The latest phase of the Station Lands development in central Edmonton is a beacon of optimism for the city.
Station Lands is the redevelopment of the former CN rail yard into retail and residential space. Phase 1 was completed in 2011 with the building of Epcor Tower, located at 10423 101 St.
On Thursday, Qualico Properties, the group behind the Station Lands project, celebrated the beginning of Phase 2, which will see the first of two new residential towers constructed. It will add more than 600 residential units and, at full build-out, 5,000 new residents and workers will be within the district, acting as a bridge between Downtown and Chinatown.
“As we all continue to work so hard to make downtown Edmonton the best possible place it can be, we are certain this development on this site is exactly the kind of investment we need right here and right now,” said Mike Saunders, senior vice-president of Qualico Properties, at the groundbreaking ceremony at Epcor Tower.
“With the arts and culture civic precinct to our south, in our historical Chinatown to our north, we are committed to making sure this project enhances, enlivens and buoys their success by bringing new residents, new businesses and a renewed vibrancy to this part of Downtown.”
Mayor Amarjeet Sohi said the COVID-19 pandemic was a setback for the city, but this latest development will bring some optimism.
“We are seeing more activity back in the Downtown now. And I think projects like this, groundbreaking ceremonies like this, help us shake off the pessimism of the COVID (pandemic) that we have lived through over the last two and a half years and move forward on the revitalization and bringing more life back into our Downtown,” Sohi said.
“I am excited about our city. I'm really optimistic. The growth that we're seeing and the way we are coming together to tackle some of the societal issues of houselessness, mental health and addictions crisis that are impacting the revitalization efforts in the Downtown and Chinatown area. So I'm very optimistic.”
Holly Mah, chairwoman of the Chinatown Business Association, said the Station Lands project is “just what the doctor ordered” for Chinatown and Downtown.
“Chinese immigrants have chosen to live in Edmonton for more than a century and have helped build the city even before Alberta became a province. Chinatown wants to be a feature of Edmonton's Downtown and a centre of business and culture,” she said.
“The investments being made here at Station Lands by Qualico and their partners is such an important signal of their belief in the future of this historically and culturally rich part of Edmonton.”
The master plan for the Station Lands project includes familyfriendly amenities in a walkable public plaza. The development is transit-orientated and will be a gateway for pedestrians, cyclists and transit users to access the core.
“We are city builders and we are mindful of what it takes to build a great city beyond bricks and mortar,” Saunders said. “Community at its essence is about connectivity, relationships, engagement and looking out for one another.”
The first tower in Phase 2, which will be built atop the existing parkade beside Epcor Tower, is expected to be completed in July 2024.