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Earlier this month, the presence of a shoring rig on the future site of Westrich Pacific's approved 43-storey Encore Tower was enough proof for passersby that construction had begun. On Wednesday, the developer made it official with a ceremonial ground breaking event, marking the start of work on what will unseat Edmonton House and The Pearl as the tallest residential tower in the city.
Westrich Pacific CEO Richie Lam, architects Michael and Gene Dub, and Mayor Don Iveson were among the attendees who dug gold-plated shovels into the exposed earth at 103 Street and 102 Avenue. Replacing a surface parking lot — thankfully a dying breed in the downtown core — the readied property now sports two mammoth shoring rigs, assigned the job of constructing perimeter walls underground to stabilize the upcoming excavation.
Above the three-storey lobby, which will come with a "lavish water feature," marble walls, and a skylight, the 138-metre-tall tower will be covered in a triple-glazed building envelope. A fourth floor amenities area will include a fully equipped fitness centre, an indoor lounging space, an extended entertainment bar, and an expansive outdoor sun lounge complete with private cabanas and a wading pool.
All suites will enjoy approximately nine-foot-high ceilings in main living areas, wood grain embossed, plank laminate flooring, and a stainless steel appliance package. Penthouse units will transverse floors 38 through 43 with 1,294 to 2,786 square feet of living space, including view-laden outdoor terraces.
Westrich Pacific is one of the most active developers in established Edmonton neighbourhoods, having recently completed the 32-storey Ultima development nearby. Another project proposed for the Oliver neighbourhood was screened for public feedback earlier this month and is now making its way through the planning process. Current timelines suggest a 2019 delivery date for the highly anticipated Encore Tower.
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