As cosmetic touch-ups are applied to the exterior of the ICE District's Edmonton Tower, officials from ONE Properties, Katz Group, Oilers Entertainment Group, and the City of Edmonton gathered last week to welcome the budding neighbourhood's latest tenant: Kids & Company. The new facility will provide flexible child care options within Canada's largest mixed-use sports and entertainment destination, addressing a severe lack of daycare centres in the downtown core. 

Inside Kids & Company's new facility, image by Forum contributor Daveography

"This is now going to be our flagship location in Alberta," said Victoria Sopik, Co-founder and CEO of Kids & Company. "What’s important for us is to help families balance their lives. So of course being a part of this 'live, work, play' project is a perfect fit for us," added Sopik.

Kids & Company outdoor deck, image by Forum contributor Daveography

The fourth floor space holds eight classrooms with room for 92 children from infants to five year olds. It also comes equipped with an expansive outdoor terrace and playground. The company boasts 80 daycare centres across the country, many of which are centrally located in the thriving cores of Canadian cities.

Edmonton Tower's gleaming lobby, image by Forum contributor Daveography

Forum contributor Daveography previewed the facility and the pristine new building last week, capturing the experience along the way. The airy double-height lobby and pedway to the neighbouring Bell Tower are among the key features of the Edmonton Tower, which should be fully occupied by City staff by mid 2017. The 27-storey tower has been built to LEED Gold standards and is a crucial element of the larger ICE District plan. Vertical growth at the sites of the Stantec Tower and JW Marriott continues to alter the skyline and streetscape, with both towers expected to be open and operational in early 2019. The accompanying Legends Condominiums are poised to open a few months after the hotel welcomes guests for the first time.

Inside the pedway to the Bell Tower, image by Forum contributor Daveography

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