I have no clue what the asking lease rate is, but I would assume that is not the largest contributing factor here.
This just isn't an attractive spot for a new business. The heartbeat of this intersection is government workers, and in a post-pandemic world, we just aren't seeing that critical mass of daytime workers here anymore.
I think the downtown residential activity mostly spends their cash around (and north of) Jasper Ave at key corridors like 109th, 104th, & Ice District.
Plus, I can't even imagine how expensive it is to be a first tenant and have to fit the entire space out. There are retail bays in the area where the HVAC, plumbing, etc, is largely done and would require a renovation instead of full construction.