Canderel and Claridge join forces to provide 31,610 square feet of high-tech office space to Microsoft Research Montreal

MONTREAL, Sept. 19, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With their finger on the pulse of what's new and needed in urban real estate, Canderel and Claridge are proud to announce that in the fall of 2019, Microsoft Research Montreal will move to a newly constructed building at 6795 Marconi Street. Located in the heart of Mile-Ex, the global hub for companies invested in artificial intelligence research, the AI lab's new office space will be triple the size of its current premises.

With a total of 110,000 square feet, 6795 Marconi is at the forefront of a wave of office development in the area. Construction of the property is slated for completion in mid-2019. "A new generation of workspace is in demand in Montreal, which has experienced tremendous growth over the past year," says Bradley Birks, Canderel's Vice-President of leasing for the region. "We're very happy to have Microsoft Research Montreal as a tenant and to be collaborating with them to deliver the premises they need to successfully carry out their pioneering work."

"With prominent technology companies like Microsoft investing heavily in top talent, we're proud to support their objectives by providing 6795 Marconi's occupants with best-in-class amenities. Exceptional ceiling heights, indoor bike storage and a private rooftop terrace, with an adjacent green roof, are just a few of the unique features of the space," adds Eric Cordon, Associate at Canderel and the project lead.

Jennifer Chayes, Technical Fellow and Managing Research Director of the New England, NYC and Montreal research labs, shared her enthusiasm for the new site. "I'm thrilled that the Microsoft Research Montreal lab will be relocating to the Mile-Ex area. The proximity to MILA and other AI labs is essential to collaboration efforts and will strengthen the AI research ecosystem. I'm genuinely excited by the prospect of the cutting-edge innovation that will emerge from this extraordinary environment."

"The AI research community in Montreal is constantly collaborating and exchanging ideas," says Wayne Heuff, Executive Vice-President and Managing Director of Claridge Real Estate. "With other groundbreaking AI labs moving into Mile-Ex, like the new Montreal Institute for Learning Algorithms (MILA), everyone benefits. We're delighted to be partnering with Canderel on this project and are big believers in the future of Mile-Ex as the nucleus of Montreal's AI community."

The building's tenants will appreciate plenty of natural sunlight and have access to a 2,500-square-foot landscaped green space, as well as indoor bike racks and indoor parking. Historically an industrial area, Mile-Ex is an increasingly sought-after destination for office space due to its creative energy, mix of trendsetting restaurants and cafés, proximity to Little Italy with its old-school charm, and the nearby Jean-Talon Market, the city's best-known farmers' market since 1933. From 6795 Marconi, it's a short walk to the Parc metro and train stations or to De Castelnau metro.

To learn more about Microsoft Research Montreal's announcement, please click here.

About Canderel
Celebrating 44 years of operations, Canderel (www.canderel.com) is a national real estate development, investment and management company, with landmark projects in Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Sydney, Nova Scotia.

About Claridge
Founded in 1987 by Charles Bronfman, Claridge is an investment firm headquartered in Montreal. It represents the interests of the Stephen Bronfman family. In addition to its real estate investment platform, Claridge also invests in growing companies in the food, technologies, energy and entertainment industries.

About Microsoft Research Montreal
The Microsoft Research Montreal lab plays a fundamental role in the state-of-the art research that aims to teach machines to read, think and communicate like humans. Located in Montreal, one of the fastest-growing AI communities in the world, the lab fosters open collaborations with partners throughout industry and academic institutions in the city and around the world.

Eric Cordon
Associate, Development
CANDEREL
514-842-8636, ext. 1241

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4d7c73c2-f146-43c9-b55c-d36320aecabb