The long-awaited next phase of ICE District is moving forward with a Development Permit submission made to the City of Edmonton by DIALOG, the project architect, on behalf of ONE Properties and Katz Group Properties.

Rendering of Block BG looking north from 103 Avenue, image via ONE Properties

Known only as ICE District "Block BG" for now, the building is set to proceed as a retail podium on top of the already-constructed underground parkade that spans the block and is shared with the JW Marriott and Stantec Tower. The residential tower, known as "Tower B," will proceed at a later date, presumably when market conditions improve.

Rendering of Block BG looking west from the plaza, image via ONE Properties

A few retail tenants for the podium have already been announced, including a Loblaws City Market grocery store, The CANADIAN ICEhouse - a new brand by Canadian Brewhouse that will span three levels including a rooftop patio, and The Banquet - a two-level dining and entertainment experience that will include bowling lanes, shuffleboard, and more.

Rendering of Block BG looking southwest from Rogers Place, image via ONE Properties

Block BG will occupy the site of the former Greyhound bus terminal on 103 Street between 103 and 104 Avenues. The project has undergone numerous design iterations since it was first envisioned; it was originally designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects to be a 160-metre, 55-story tower atop a three-story podium that included a Cineplex VIP theatre.

Early rendering of Block BG (left) by Hariri Pontarini Architects, image via ONE Properties

Cineplex has since pulled out of the project resulting in the podium being scaled back to two stories, and geotechnical limitations have reduced the height of the proposed tower to 142 metres and 42 stories.

Current state of the Block BG site, photo by Dave Sutherland

Moving ahead on the retail podium is good news, however, as it will bring a new grocery store - an important amenity for the growing residential population of the downtown core - while also adding more entertainment and dining options for workers, residents, and visitors. A finished podium should also help to bring a sense of completeness to the ICE District plaza.

Rendering of Block BG looking southeast from 104 Avenue, image via ONE Properties

SkyriseEdmonton will continue to follow this project as it progresses. What do you think of ICE District Block BG? Leave a comment below or join the discussion in our Forum. More information and images can also be found in our project Database.