Manulife Place Renovations | 145.99m | 36s | AIMCo | MdeAS

[CaptainBL]

Manulife just before 6pm the other day. No point in sharing which day because it looks like this every day at this time. Not a soul in there and no reason for there to be. No restaurants, no shopping, no cafes, no life. When will this change?

 

[David A]

Supposedly there is a cafe coming sometime in 2023 which may help and to be fair the office crowd does tend to go before 6.

I still think it was a mistake to put the renovations to their uninviting exterior like bunker facade on hold. It badly needs it.

The retail they have is good, but still way too much empty space. I get its hard downtown, but this is one of the better buildings. I think they are used to being complacent and need to hustle a bit more now or they risk things getting worse like other places nearby.

 

[Gronk!]

I'm thinking that our JUNO visitors should avoid Manulife and ECC like the plague.

 

[David A]

When I went through yesterday, I noticed they were covering over the rejuvenation - something exciting coming soon signage where Holts was.

Often activity is a good sign, but I am guessing in this case it's become evident the rejuvenation is not coming along that fast.

 

[BASE]

Manulife has indeed been fortunate and done well over the course of it's existence. At this point without major intervention, much like ECC, it isn't going to turn around anytime soon.

 

[Gronk!]

Based on what I heard last week look to seeing something in the next bit. Looks like things are about to get going again.

When I went through yesterday, I noticed they were covering over the rejuvenation - something exciting coming soon signage where Holts was.

Often activity is a good sign, but I am guessing in this case it's become evident the rejuvenation is not coming along that fast.

 

[David A]

A little over a month since that teaser, but I am thinking the something is either related to the coffee bar space on the other side, an announcement related to the exterior renovation or if we are lucky both.

I suspect the covering over the rejuvenation signage on the old Holts space is just improving aesthetics. The new more plain white and grey striped coverage looks better imo.

 

[cmd uw]

Like I said before there's things moving with this again.

 

[David A]

Like I said before there's things moving with this again.

By something and things, do you mean the proposed exterior renovations or something less substantial?

 

[northlands]

#manulifeplace | Jeff Simkin

CBRE is proud to partner with Manulife Investment Management to bring Edmonton’s premier office & retail landmark, Manulife Place, to the market. With a variety of office leasing options and flexible workspaces to support a wide range of tenants, Manulife Place offers modern office space that...

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Jeff Simkin

CBRE is proud to partner with Manulife Investment Management to bring Edmonton’s premier office & retail landmark, Manulife Place, to the market.

With a variety of office leasing options and flexible workspaces to support a wide range of tenants, Manulife Place offers modern office space that helps companies achieve their goals and support their employees’ wellness and lifestyles.

Celebrated for its iconic history and central location, Manulife Place is at the forefront of Edmonton’s urban renewal and we’re excited to activate and infuse Manulife Place with the same energy and vibrancy that has set it apart from any other tower in Edmonton.

Rediscover #ManulifePlace today.

Get in touch to learn more about this landmark opportunity!
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[dunno]

I honestly think turning the majority of Manulife Place into a large format retailer that people would actually use would be great. Maybe a more budget-conscious grocer like Freshco or No Frills to give people in the area who don't live in fancy new Warehouse District condos somewhere to buy more than what Shoppers provides. But with the (planned?) exit of Best Buy forthcoming, that could also be an interesting addition. Home Depot, Rona, Canadian Tire, H&W Produce, or London Drugs would be great additions to the core of the core of Edmonton. We often talk about Simons and there or the BMO site would be great for that too, but other less trendy "destination" retailers would be great too.

 

[IanO]

Unique approach, but for me this gem needs to remain an epicentre for business and begin to attract new, expanding, scaling companies to the core.

 

[David A]

I think whoever takes over this building will need to make some changes to update things. Perhaps this property has got lost in the shuffle with changes happening at Manulife.

Also another issue with some Toronto focused companies is they don't pay enough attention to their properties here. I realize they may not be their bigger assets, but they still do need some attention from time to time. Otherwise neglect can lead to gradual decline which is something I think is happening here, but it is a good building/location overall so I feel it can be reversed with some thoughtful attention and changes.

 

[Tropical]

I honestly think turning the majority of Manulife Place into a large format retailer that people would actually use would be great. Maybe a more budget-conscious grocer like Freshco or No Frills to give people in the area who don't live in fancy new Warehouse District condos somewhere to buy more than what Shoppers provides. But with the (planned?) exit of Best Buy forthcoming, that could also be an interesting addition. Home Depot, Rona, Canadian Tire, H&W Produce, or London Drugs would be great additions to the core of the core of Edmonton. We often talk about Simons and there or the BMO site would be great for that too, but other less trendy "destination" retailers would be great too.

You're not wrong. You would see a blend of large-format and boutique retailers at key downtown retail streets in our biggest cities - Best Buy and London Drugs right next to smaller retailers at Granville and Robson/Georgia comes to mind in Vancouver. This also exists to an extent in Calgary.

In terms of Ian's comments, the building can continue to attract businesses with a grocery store or Winners below without issue.

 

[IanO]

The erosion of Edmonton's corporate presence continues.

Fall from grace might be most fitting if you put a Winners or home hardware store in what was our premier shopping and office tower.

I'm all for the brands/offerings listed, but good god not there.

Manulife will rise again, but with a different direction from what is thought of here.