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'New downtown energy': The Block office tower opens in Kelowna

Offices at the Block Tower on St. Paul Street are part of a three phase development

Mission Group’s latest completed project has opened in Kelowna’s downtown. 

The Offices at the Block Tower (1499 St. Paul Street) are part of a three-phase development which includes the completed Brooklyn and Bertram Condos.

At a ribbon cutting on Sept. 12, Mission Group President Luke Turri said the Bernard Block project may be its most impactful yet.

“It represents a new life and an energy coming into the downtown,” he added.

The entire Bernard Block provides more than 430 homes, and over 110-thousand square feet of office and retail space.

“What was once an entire city block on Kelowna’s principal main street, sitting vacant for a decade, is now a complete mixed-use community with downtown Kelowna’s first Class A office tower at the forefront.”

Mission Group CEO Johnathan Friesen the project reflects the company’s purpose statement of “build it forward.”

“As communities prosper and improve it provides a better place for everyone to live and a greater place for Mission Group to do business in. As the community benefits we all get better, Kelowna gets better.”

Offices at The Block include a rooftop patio with views of Okanagan Lake and 16,000 sq. ft. of retail and dining options on Bernard Avenue.

Nicola Wealth, a $10 billion investment company, partnered with Mission Group on the development.

“To be 65 per cent pre-leased upon completion of the building is truly remarkable and it’s a testament to both teams working together along with our broker partners.”

Also at the ribbon cutting was Mayor Tom Dyas, who called The Block another milestone in the evolution of the downtown core.

“It is more than just another office building, it is a glimpse into the future of how we work and live,” he said.

Offices at The Block include more than 400 individual working spaces and a 140-space childcare centre.



Gary Barnes

About the Author: Gary Barnes

Journalist and broadcaster for three decades.
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