Energy Square, Office Building, Edmonton

Case Study

BACKGROUND

McCOR was seeking a new facility to support its growing operations and long-term investment goals. The ideal property would accommodate current space needs —roughly 30,000 sq. ft. — with the potential to purchase and lease out remaining areas to generate income and build equity.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The search led to a 130,000 sq. ft. building—significantly larger than McCOR’s initial requirement. At the time, the property was 50% vacant, making it an underutilized asset with considerable upside. Rather than shy away from its scale, McCOR saw an opportunity to unlock its full potential.

    STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP & ACQUISITION

    McCOR understood that achieving long-term value would require the right partners. One key collaborator was Yardstick Technologies, a leading local IT firm that shared the vision of co-investment and building ownership. Yardstick was also looking for a space to grow—making them an ideal strategic tenant and stakeholder.

    Together with Yardstick and two additional equal partners, McCOR structured a partnership that took over 50,000 sq ft. This collective move stabilized the building and laid the foundation for revitalization.

    EXECUTION & TRANSFORMATION

    The new ownership group initiated a series of building enhancements and deployed an aggressive leasing strategy. With aligned goals and complementary strengths, the partners revitalized the space and attracted a high-quality tenant mix. Within two years, occupancy soared to over 95%, transforming the building from a quiet shell into a vibrant business hub.

    RESULTS

    • Property value skyrocketed and doubled in value in just two years
    • Property Vacancy dropped to under 5% compared to a market vacancy of 20%
    • Strategic alignment with Yardstick Technologies and other partners ensured long-term value and community growth

    CONCLUSION

    McCOR’s journey is a compelling example of how entrepreneurial vision and collaborative investment can unlock extraordinary value. From seeking 30,000 sq ft to helping transform a 130,000 sq ft building into a thriving center for business, the case highlights the strength of partnerships and the rewards of thinking big.