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The Epcor Tower's reign as Edmonton's tallest building is coming to a close. The Stantec Tower and JW Marriott and The Legends Private Residences are both rising at a good clip, and given their pace of construction, should surpass the spires of the 149-metre-tall building within weeks. Since the 28-storey tower's rule as local height leader is set to be eclipsed, it seems a fitting time to recall how the landmark office building came into being.
Epcor Utilities put out a call to developers in May 2007 for proposals to build 260,000 square feet of office space. Qualico was chosen in December to provide space for 1,100 downtown Epcor employees on the Station Lands just northwest of the CN Tower. Signing a 20-year lease and becoming the anchor tenant, the building adopted the nickname "Power Tower".
The Kasian-designed tower began construction in 2008. City council approved $45 million to build a 180-metre underground section of the future Metro LRT line underneath the tower's parking garage. The precursory move would save the City approximately $140 million.
Edmonton's first new office tower in 17 years was completed in 2011 and boasts blue-grey glass and a distinctive illuminated crown said to be inspired by New York's Chrysler Building. Unlike most office developments, the north and south sides of each floor are equipped with 250-square-foot balconies that serve as outdoor amenity spaces for tenants. On the ground, a considerable setback allows space for planters and fountains flanking the main entrance along 101 Street NW. Inside, the largest stainless steel sculpture in North America depicts a bear catching a salon, a defining element of the lobby by Haida artist Dean Drever.
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