Okanagan Centre for Innovation welcomes first tenant

Kelowna is firmly in the midst of a construction boom and we’re not just talking about houses and condos. Several large commercial and civic developments are taking shape, including two parkades, a new police services building, and the much anticipated Okanagan Centre for Innovation.

Located on the corner of Doyle Avenue and Ellis Street, the six-story building is touted as being the ultimate home for Kelowna’s burgeoning tech industry. Construction on the Okanagan Centre for Innovation began in 2014 and the first tenant is expected to move in next week.

What is the Okanagan Centre for Innovation?

Inspired by purpose-built spaces for the likes of Google and Apple, OCI is the brainchild of local entrepreneurs, government partners, and other community leaders. The state-of-the-art building is slated to become the home of businesses and organizations in every stage of growth, from two-person startups to large technology firms. The Okanagan Centre for Innovation also offers publicly-supported space and services for startups, non-profits, community groups and social enterprises.

According to the project’s website, their goal is to "build Canada's most innovative, creative and entrepreneurial technology community.”

Innovative building features

In order to draw Kelowna and Canada’s most creative and promising minds, the Okanagan Centre for Innovation features a whole lot of, well, innovation. The building, designed by Kelowna’s Meiklejohn Architects, includes a rooftop patio with trees and a walking path, as well as a large central atrium that lets in natural light and helps reduce energy use.

OCI will be directly connected to the Downtown Kelowna Library and there’s also an on-site theatre that’s perfect for delivering powerful presentations and welcoming speakers and conferences.

Downtown Kelowna real estate boom

While there’s no end in sight for construction in downtown Kelowna, the majority of projects along Ellis Street are nearing completion. As homebuyers begin to see the new, vibrant downtown take shape, we are sure to see an increase in demand for the area.

If you’re considering selling your condo, this may be the year to do it. If you want to buy a home in downtown Kelowna, there’s no time like the present! Give the team at the Kelowna Condos Real Estate co a call and we would be happy to help you with your downtown Kelowna real estate needs.