Brookfield Canada Office Properties Inc. (TSX: BOX.UN) (NYSE:
BOXC), the country's preeminent office REIT (Real Estate Investment
Trust), announced today that after three years of extensive
exterior and interior renovation work,
First
Canadian Place celebrates the completion of its large-scale
rejuvenation project, Redefining First. Brookfield, along with
ownership partners Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) and
Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo), transformed the
72-storey, 2.8-million-square-foot building into a spectacular,
energy-conscious centre for business, retail, and pleasure. The
iconic office tower, Canada's largest, will be officially
relaunched on
October 25, 2012 with a
ribbon-cutting ceremony, entertainment, and public reception.
DESIGN DETAILS The most visible change is
the total recladding of the building's exterior. Replaced were the
existing 45,000 pieces of Carrera marble with architecturally
unique glass spandrel panels designed by architects Moed De Armas
and Shannon. The marble pieces and surrounding insulation were
recycled and repurposed. Other significant changes benefitting the
8,000 tenants and 80,000 daily visitors include a refurbished main
entrance, retail concourse, office lobbies, and common areas. The
retail and complex enhancements were implemented by the production
architects and construction team of B+H Architects and Ellis
Don.
ACHIEVING LEED GOLD Over and above the
obvious aesthetic improvements are the enhancements made in the
area of energy management and sustainable design. Aided by
engineering teams from The Mitchell Partnership, The Aquila Group,
and Halsall Associates, First Canadian Place achieved the
prestigious Gold Level Certification for Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design (LEED Existing Buildings: Operations and
Maintenance) awarded by the Canada Green Building Council.
"The strategic energy program was a major facet of this
undertaking and we're honoured to achieve LEED Gold certification
for these efforts," said Brian West, VP and General Manager of
First Canadian Place. "Since the reduction program began in 2009,
the building has curtailed energy consumption by an estimated
24%."
[More information on the environmental
initiatives implemented as part of this project is available on the
company's website: www.brookfieldcanadareit.com]
DOWNTOWN COMMUNITY INVESTMENT Since it was
built in 1975, First Canadian Place has held a prominent position
in downtown Toronto an iconic business landmark. The investment
made by Brookfield and its co-owners demonstrates its commitment to
the downtown community it serves. Through its sustainable,
cultural, and consumer-focused initiatives, First Canadian Place
provides an urban space that is more than just an office tower.
With over 80,000 commuters and users, just steps away from Union,
King, and St. Andrew subway stations, First Canadian Place
participates in the City of Toronto's Smart Commute program, which
works to improve commuting options for building tenants. A recent
study shows that 90% of all building occupants arrive to work in a
sustainable way, such as public transportation, cycling, walking or
carpooling.
RETAIL AND SERVICES A completely
transformed Market Place adds to the retail concourse with Longo's
as the market's newest food anchor complemented by destination
independent stores such as Prairie Girl Cupcakes and Brick Street
Bakery. A new addition this fall will be Kupfert and Kim, featuring
a vegan menu.
Inspired by the building's contemporary design, existing
retailers such as Harry Rosen and Judith & Charles have
expanded their stores, while numerous others have renovated their
spaces.
In 2013, First Canadian Place will welcome Express, a popular US
apparel brand, as well as Ontario's First Cactus Club, a West
Coast-based casual dining chain that originated in Vancouver.
The building offers a wide range of services making it a
one-stop destination. Services include: an optometry clinic,
tailors, a bank, a post office, a dental clinic, and The Adelaide
Club: a revitalized health clinic, gym and spa. A new medical
centre is scheduled to open its doors in 2013.
ARTS & EVENTS PROGRAM The First
Canadian Place Arts & Events Program is an ICSC award-winning
contemporary program which features concerts, exhibitions and
special events, committed to providing free arts programs to enrich
the cultural lives of those who work in and visit the building.
The Waterfall Stage concert series showcases a wide-range of
national and international talents. The Arts and Events Lunchtime
Sessions at The Gallery feature Canadian celebrities, experts, and
artists presenting a variety of topics: Fashion and Style, Home and
Garden, Health, Food and Entertaining. The current gallery
exhibition, The Quest for Beauty in a Garden, features work by
Canadian digital photo-artist Elaine Waisglass.
"The goal of this rejuvenation process was to strengthen the
brand DNA of First Canadian Place as an inspiring community for
today's business," said Shopping Centre Director, Lucie Bisson. "We
have met and exceeded our expectations, proudly offering tenants
and consumers a vibrant urban space for shopping, dining and more.
Along with the unveiling of the new renovation, we're thrilled to
introduce our new logo and brand strategy to the public."
For more information on the rejuvenation program, please visit
www.redefiningfirst.com.
About Brookfield Canada Office Properties
Brookfield Canada Office Properties is Canada's preeminent Real
Estate Investment Trust (REIT). Its portfolio is comprised of
interests in 28 premier office properties totaling 20.7 million
square feet in the downtown cores of Toronto, Calgary, Ottawa and
Vancouver. Landmark assets include Brookfield Place in Toronto and
Bankers Hall in Calgary. For more information, visit
www.firstcanadianplace.com or www.myfirstcanadianplace.ca
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For further media information: Nina Budman/Jessica McAfee Budman
and Associates Email Contact 416-515-7667 Matt Cherry Brookfield
Canada Office Properties Email Contact 416-359-8593
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