It's been nine months since we checked in on the progress at the CNIB Tower Redevelopment project, and excavation is well underway.

Rendering of CNIB Tower, image via ONE Properties

Excavation is now several levels deep for the $56-million project by ONE Properties, and the 108-metre, 32-story tower should begin to rise this year, with completion slated for 2021.

Excavation, photo by Dave Sutherland

Designed by Wallman Architects and Architecture for the Blind, the Canadian National Institute for the Blind will occupy a new 10,000-square-foot office on the second floor, while 342 residential units will be constructed above, and commercial retail space will occupy the ground level.

Excavation, photo by Dave Sutherland

Thanks to the work of Chris Downey of Architecture for the Blind, the tower itself has been designed to cater to persons with visual impairments, through elements such as tactile paving, acoustic differentiation of the ground-level elements to aid navigation around the building, as well as amenities such as a fragrant garden for residents.

Rendering of CNIB Tower podium, image via ONE Properties

SkyriseEdmonton will continue to follow this project as it progresses. More images and information can be found in the Database entry linked below. What do you think of the CNIB Tower project? Leave a comment below, or join the conversation in our Forum.