Rogers Place will become the heart of ICE District when both Phase One and Two are complete
By Jessica Kent
As we watch the towers rise on the south side of Rogers Place, Oilers Owner and ICE District visionary Daryl Katz has big plans for the north side.
What is currently being used as parking lots, the 13-plus acres of land behind the arena will be transformed into ICE District Phase Two.
“What we have planned is an urban village, somewhere in the order of 3,000 residential units, retail and office,” explained Glen Scott, Senior Vice President of Real Estate, Katz Group.
Construction on Phase Two is expected to begin mid-2018 before Phase One is complete, and could open in five to 10 years.
“It’ll be exceptionally pedestrian friendly!”
“We expect to have a very good connectivity and interphase with Phase One so people will be able to migrate between the two phases,” added Scott. “It’ll be a great opportunity for people to not own vehicles if they don’t want because of the employment opportunities that are available, the transit nearby and the whole proximity to the downtown core.”
The Katz Group recently acquired the historic MacDonald Lofts which is located in Phase Two. The building is currently being used as low-income housing. Scott explained it will be completely gutted and restored, but the use of the building is yet to be determined.
“We still have residents living in the MacDonald Lofts and we’re transitioning all those residents to new and safer housing, so once we’ve successfully done that we will assess what our options are,” said Scott.
ICE District will soon be where Edmontonians can live, work and play with Rogers Place in the heart of it all.
“It’s extraordinary because there’s really nothing like this in the world.”
The residential towers in Phase Two will be between 30 to 40 storeys. A podium for retail and commercial development will be below with green space on top.
Scott explained the tower height is dependent on approvals from the City of Edmonton and community feedback.
“We expect that the towers that are closer to Rogers Place will be somewhere between 30 and 40 storeys and as you move towards 107 Avenue they will diminish in height [to blend with the established neighbourhoods].”
Scott expects Phase One to be complete in early 2020, with Phase Two construction well on its way. As for a Phase Three…
“Phase Three – stay tuned,” Scott laughed.