Downtown Kitchener's Innovation District to become future home of Gowling WLG

22 September 2017

One of Kitchener's most prestigious professional services firms is reinforcing its presence in Waterloo Region with a move to the city's Innovation District - joining other global brands that are capitalizing on strength of opportunity in the heart of downtown Kitchener. International law firm Gowling WLG today announced its upcoming move into brand-new office space in a building to be developed at 345 King Street West.

"Gowling WLG has been a part of Waterloo Region for more than 30 years, and they have been a strong presence in downtown Kitchener for a large part of that history," said Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. "We are thrilled that they have chosen to reaffirm their commitment to downtown Kitchener; they will be a natural fit in the Innovation District."

"As a global law firm with deep roots in the Waterloo Region, we're very excited to be joining the city's Innovation District - an area that reflects our approach to legal services, as well as the clients we work with," said Bryce Kraeker, managing partner of Gowling WLG's Waterloo Region office. "We're also delighted to be moving into a state-of-the-art building that will be steps away from the future transit hub. In making this move, we'll be strengthening our leadership position at both ends of the burgeoning Toronto-Waterloo Region Innovation Corridor."

Perimeter Development Corporation acquired 345 King Street West in a competitive bid process earlier this year, after the City declared the land surplus. Located in the heart of the Innovation District, Perimeter's development will add 120,000 square feet of Class 'A' LEED Gold office space to the Innovation District. Strategically located close to educational, residential and transportation amenities (including a future major transportation hub), the district appeals to the growing number of people looking to get the most out of an urban lifestyle.

"We're thrilled to be working with a global firm like Gowling WLG as lead tenant for 345 King West, a much needed new office development in the Innovation District," said Craig Beattie, Partner at Perimeter. "345 King West will intensify currently underutilized properties and deliver first class new office space to meet the needs of growing companies looking to be in a terrific location close to amenities, Ion rapid transit and future transit hub at King and Victoria."

"The transformation of 345 King Street West into a stunning, sustainable building that will be home to over 700 employees will have a tremendously positive impact on the Innovation District. Perimeter's vision to blend first-class office space with new pedestrian level retail and restaurant amenities will further encourage people to shop, spend time in and contribute to the ongoing revitalization of downtown Kitchener," said Mayor Vrbanovic.

About 345 King West

345 King West will be the first new Class 'A' office building developed in downtown Kitchener in over 25 years. Featuring timeless design by award winning Diamond Schmitt Architects Inc., 345 King West will be a 6 storey, 120,000 SF office building featuring at grade retail space and will be a welcome addition to the King Street streetscape. Targeting LEED Gold designation, 345 King West's large efficient 22,500 SF floor plates with floor to ceiling glass, high ceilings and state of the art building systems will provide much needed quality new office space for Kitchener's growing Innovation District.

About Gowling WLG

Gowling WLG is an international law firm with more than 1,500 legal professionals in Canada, the U.K., Continental Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Through its office in Kitchener, the firm has been serving the vibrant Waterloo Region for more than 30 years. With a local team of 40+ legal professionals working across all major practice areas and industries, Gowling WLG is known for providing responsive service and cost-effective advice to a wide range of clients, from growing startups and regional businesses to expanding national and global companies.

About Perimeter Development Corporation

Perimeter Development Corporation is an entrepreneurial driven development company with a focus on urban environments. We target overlooked and undervalued assets in emerging locations and transform them into high-demand strategic destinations to maximize value. As owners, Perimeter is directly involved in the development, leasing and operations of all its properties. We believe in developing both properties and relationships.