One of Edmonton’s most recognizable downtown office towers will be rebranded, shedding its previous Manulife Place title to become the National Bank Centre as the bank begins moving in hundreds of employees later this year.

The announcement Tuesday stands as confirmation that National Bank will continue with the previously announced relocation of Canadian Western Bank’s (CWB) former headquarters and its Edmonton-based employees into the building.

The move had been announced before National Bank launched a $5-billion bid to take over CWB, a transaction which closed in February.

The rebranded National Bank Centre is currently undergoing a series of interior and exterior renovations valued at approximately $45 million as it prepares to welcome its new anchor tenant.

The 39-storey tower comprises approximately 745,000 square feet of office space and sits at 10180 101 St., at the southwest corner of 102 Avenue.

"This move is a testament to Edmonton's significance in our growth strategy, and our presence in Western Canada as we join forces with CWB,” National Bank president and CEO Laurent Ferreira said in the announcement Tuesday afternoon. “We are excited to contribute to the vitality of downtown Edmonton, drive economic growth and attract new business activity."

National Bank to occupy 10 floors

The former CWB employees will be relocated from their present offices at Jasper Avenue and 103 Street. National Bank plans to occupy 10 floors of the 36-storey award-winning tower, which will feature the bank's logo and façade crown signage and a banking centre at street level.

CWB leased the space when the developers of Edmonton’s massive ICE District mixed-use project decided to delay a planned 16-storey office tower due to an ongoing downturn in the office sector. CWB then announced the move to Manulife Place in late 2023.

The renovations at National Bank Centre are being managed by Toronto-based Epic Investment Services, which is acting as the development manager for building owners Manulife and AIMCo.

"This relocation for the bank and revitalization of the building is an exciting change for Edmonton's downtown core," Craig Coleman, managing partner and CEO at Epic Investment Services, said in the announcement. "We are proud to support National Bank in strengthening its presence in Edmonton. 

“Our focus remains on delivering a high-quality and sustainable workplace that aligns with the bank's vision while contributing to the vibrancy of the city's business district."

Tower holds many certifications

National Bank Centre is a class-AA office tower which holds multiple certifications including LEED Gold, Gold Wired, FITWEL Level 2, FITWEL Viral Response, BOMA BEST Platinum, ENERGY STAR and WELL Gold.

Amenities will include a fitness centre, conference facilities, rooftop terrace, adjacent access to the city’s Valley Line LRT and on-site retail. This is complemented by a wide range of retail and dining options in the surrounding neighbourhood.

Prior to the renovations, the tower also contained about 130,000 square feet of retail, though a significant portion of this is being reconfigured, with some being allocated to additional amenities. The newly designed lower floors will contain approximately 30,000 square feet of retail space.

The renovations are to be completed in early to mid 2026.

The redevelopment team also includes: 

• DIALOG as the prime consultant and architect;
• EllisDon as general contractor; and
• CBRE as the leasing broker.

Approximately 120,000 square feet of office space remained available for lease in Manulife Place, according to Epic earlier this year.

EDITOR'S NOTE: RENX has reached out for updated information about the renovations and leasing at the tower. We will update this article if and when additional information becomes available.