EDMONTON — The University of Alberta is breathing new life into an iconic building in the heart of downtown Edmonton, with the opening of expanded space at Enterprise Square.
Today, the University of Alberta announced the addition of more than 500 people to work in a renewed Enterprise Square on Jasper Avenue and 103 Street, reigniting the space and contributing to a sense of vibrancy and vitality downtown. The majority are U of A team members including in External Relations, Human Resources, Shared Services, Continuing Education and the Research Services Office, as well as industry and research professionals and partners.
The renewal allows the U of A to nearly double the building’s occupancy. The move and renovation are part of a larger strategic initiative ensuring that world-leading research, learning and teaching happen through the most efficient use of campus spaces and buildings as part of the university’s Integrated Asset Management Strategy. Future ambitions for Enterprise Square include the continued growth and development of a technology and innovation hub with tenants and other partners.
The University of Alberta acquired the building in 2005 — with support from all three levels of government — to create a hub where the University could strengthen its linkages with the downtown core. In the time since, various U of A teams have called the space home, including the Office of Advancement, Alumni Relations, the Faculty of Extension, TEC Edmonton, and the Alberta School of Business Executive Education Program.
Formerly the Hudson’s Bay Company Building, the structure first opened in 1939 as Edmonton’s biggest retail space. More than 20,000 people passed through its doors on the first day — nearly one-fifth of the city’s population at the time.
Members of the downtown business community and Edmonton City Council will be on hand to roll out the welcome mat for their new downtown neighbours from the U of A.
For more information, please contact:
Sarah Vernon | U of A communications associate | svernon@ualberta.ca | 780-818-0901
Quotes:
“The University of Alberta is an important pillar in the Edmonton community and we're proud to play a leading role in the revitalization and success of the downtown core. Our investment in Enterprise Square brings more than 500 full-time employees together to create a hub of learning, research and tech excellence. The City of Edmonton is home to a world-class science and innovation sector, and Enterprise Square will play an important role in the continued success of this sector, the downtown core and the city as a whole.”
- Bill Flanagan, President, University of Alberta
“The External Relations team is thrilled to be working downtown – Enterprise Square is a perfect fit for our team. I am proud that we can contribute to the revitalization of downtown Edmonton and support the downtown recovery task force. Our team is excited to be part of the downtown community and look forward to deepening our connections”.
- Elan MacDonald, Vice President, External Relations, University of Alberta
“I am so pleased that the University of Alberta has reaffirmed its ongoing support for our downtown core. Having more University staff at Enterprise Square will contribute to downtown vibrancy and support our economic recovery goals. The City continues to work closely with a number of partners and collaborators to ensure that all Edmontonians feel safe, secure and welcome in the heart of our city, and by continuing to create opportunities like these, we can all support downtown Edmonton in reaching its full potential.”
- Amarjeet Sohi, Mayor of the City of Edmonton
“The Edmonton Downtown Business Association is thrilled to welcome hundreds of University of Alberta staff into our downtown community. We thank the U of A leadership for investing in this iconic and historic downtown building, bringing renewed vibrancy and economic activity to the area, and continuing to drive innovation in our city and enhance the innovation corridor that runs right through the heart of our downtown.”
- Puneeta McBryan, Executive Director, Edmonton Downtown Business Association